• Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86 on October 9.

  • The Indian cricket fraternity paid heartfelt tributes to the legendary industrialist.

From Sachin Tendulkar to Rohit Sharma: Cricket fraternity mourns the demise of Ratan Tata
Sachin Tendulkar, Ratan Tata and Rohit Sharma (Image Source: X)

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Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away on Wednesday (October 9) at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. His visionary leadership, which spanned decades, not only transformed India’s business landscape but also left a profound impact on sectors like sports and philanthropy. Ratan Tata’s contributions extended beyond the corporate world, touching countless lives, including those in the cricket fraternity.

Tata’s legacy in Indian sports and philanthropy

Beyond his corporate achievements, Ratan Tata was a pivotal figure in Indian sports development, particularly cricket.  Through the Tata Trusts, he played a crucial role in supporting grassroots sports initiatives. Tata’s association with the IPL, as a title sponsor, reinforced the group’s commitment to fostering talent and contributing to India’s sporting ecosystem. His philanthropic work through various initiatives provided opportunities for young athletes to flourish, showcasing his vision for a better India that extended to every field, including sports. His passing has left a void that resonated across various sectors, including cricket, where Tata Group’s association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) marked a significant chapter.

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Sachin Tendulkar reflects on Ratan Tata’s legacy

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar shared an emotional tribute to Ratan Tata, highlighting the deep personal impact the business icon had on him and millions of others. Tendulkar wrote on social media:

“In his life, and demise, Mr Ratan Tata has moved the nation. I was fortunate to spend time with him, but millions, who have never met him, feel the same grief that I feel today. Such is his impact. From his love for animals to philanthropy, he showed that true progress can only be achieved when we care for those who don’t have the means to take care of themselves. Rest in peace, Mr Tata. Your legacy will continue to live through the institutions you built and values that you embraced,”

Rohit Sharma pays tribute to Ratan Tata’s compassion

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma expressed his deep respect and admiration for Ratan Tata, focusing on Tata’s selfless contributions to society. In his tribute, Sharma wrote: “A man with a heart of gold. Sir, you will forever be remembered as someone who truly cared and lived his life to make everyone else’s better” Sharma’s words reflect the widespread sentiment of gratitude towards Tata, whose legacy of empathy, philanthropy, and leadership continues to inspire countless individuals, including those in the cricketing world.

Virender Sehwag calls Tata the “True Ratan of Bharat”

Virender Sehwag, another legend of Indian cricket, shared a heartfelt message on X, saying: “We have lost a true Ratan of Bharat, Shri Ratan Tata ji. His life will be an inspiration for us all and he will continue to live in our hearts. Om Shanti,” Sehwag’s tribute highlighted Tata’s status as a national icon, whose life’s work extended far beyond business, inspiring countless individuals across fields, including sports.

Irfan Pathan reflects on Tata’s legacy

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan took to X, sharing his sorrow: “Deeply saddened by the loss of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He wasn’t just a business leader, but a true inspiration for millions. His dedication, integrity, and impact on India’s growth are unmatched. We’ve lost a giant, but his legacy will endure forever. Rest in peace.” Pathan’s words were a testament to how Tata’s principles of leadership and service resonated deeply with athletes, especially cricketers.

Indian cricketers unite in mourning:

Other prominent cricketers like Mohammed Shami, Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh also expressed their grief and respect for Ratan Tata on X. These tributes reflect the profound impact Tata had across various fields, with cricket being one of the many sectors that benefited from his vision and leadership through the Tata Group’s association with the IPL.

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About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.