Raj Singh Dungarpur was a father figure to me: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket in November 2013, has paid rich tributes to the late BCCI president Raj Singh Dungarpur for having been instrumental in him becoming the player that he was.

Dungarpur, recognising the talents of a young Tendulkar, helped him take his first big step towards international cricket, when he arranged him sponsors for being a part of Star Cricket Club that was leaving for United Kingdom on a school level tour. "Raj bhai again was instrumental in finding a sponsor for me and making sure that I left on that plane,” the 41-year-old said.

“I clearly remember I met him here at the club and he said in his own style: "Tumhi cricket khelaayche, baakiche kaam maazyawarti sodaayche (you play cricket, leave the rest to me)”. With that kind of support and encouragement, all you want to do is go out and score as many runs as possible because that is something which made him happy,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying at the launch of the book Raj Singh Dungarpur - A Tribute at the Cricket Club of India.

Dungarpur represented Rajasthan for 16 years in the Ranji Trophy during 1955-71. He was the BCCI President during 1996-99 and was the team manager during the India’s memorable series win in England, 1986.

A father figure

Referring him to as a “father figure”, Tendulkar, the leading run-scorer in international cricket, said: "From a chairman of selectors to the manager of Indian team, I have had a relationship with Raj bhaiat different levels. First, he was encouraging me as a youngster and making sure that I got all the possible facilities. Then, picking me for a team and then travelling with me and guiding me," Sachin said on Dungarpur who was also the team manager for many important tours.

"I remember, whenever we sat with him, he would have amazing stories of the past and share those wonderful anecdotes with us. All the players would be glued to him because we wanted to understand how the cricket was played in the past, different different eras. Not just that but when he was with the team, he was more of a father figure. Everyone looked up to him, everyone respected him, everyone wanted to be around him.

“If someone is taking so much effort to make sure that all the facilities are provided for you to go out and express yourself in the middle, it gave me tremendous joy to score in the final of the Harris Shield. I scored a triple hundred and I could see that Raj bhai was in his chair and various cricketers would join and have a chat with him. But while batting, he was already there and watching me bat, which was a big thing."

Focus on priorities

Tendulkar, who made his international debut at the age of 16, also highlighted Dungarpur’s role in letting him know where he should focus on while the Indian cricketing circuit was divided in opinions as to whether they should let him tour West Indies and face possibly the most fearsome fast bowling attack of those times.

"We were playing Ranji Trophy semi-final at Wankhede. I was warming up early morning and there I saw Raj bhai walking next to the net and he called me outside the net and said, 'see, I want you to focus on Ranji Trophy right now. I know there have been a lot of talks on whether you should be part of the Indian team now or not. Let me tell now that you are not going to the West Indies'.

"He was then the chairman of the selection committee. He said after you are finished with the Ranji Trophy, make sure you appear for your SSC exams."