Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has penned an incredibly emotional note on the death of his mentor Vasu Pranjape, who died at the age of 82. Pranjpe was widely known to have mentored Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar among others. Reacting to his death, a heartbroken Tendulkar said, “I feel that a piece of me has left the world. Rest in Peace Vasu Sir.”
Recalling Pranjape’s influence on his cricket career, Tendulkar wrote, “Vasu sir, as I have always known him, was one of the best coaches I have worked with. He has been an integral part of my cricketing journey since childhood and a mentor in many ways. Early in my career, I remember him telling me in Marathi, ‘You watch out for the first 15 minutes and the opposition will watch you for the rest of the day’. He was knowledgeable, lively and had a great sense of humour. I had visited him a few of months ago and he was his usual humorous self.”
He added, “During our Under-15 national camp in Indore, the caretaker had gone complaining to him (as coach) about us boys playing with a tennis ball in the night, keenly expecting some support and stringent action. Vasu Sir in his inimitable style reacted, ‘they are kids and will play. Why don’t you also field for them’, leaving the caretaker stumped. He has left us with many memories and moments to smile. I feel that a piece of me has left the world. RIP Vasu sir.”
I feel that a piece of me has left the world.
Rest in Peace Vasu Sir. ???? pic.twitter.com/0ynyJ7LQNu
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 30, 2021
Cricket fans took to Twitter to pay their tributes on Pranjpe’s death.
Pranjape is survived by his wife Lalita, two daughters and his son Jatin, who is also a former India cricketer and national selector.