From Net Sessions to Life Lessons : A Tribute to Cricket's Teachers
Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, reflecting on his journey this Teacher’s Day, credited three mentors—Shravan Kumar, Jason Gillespie, and Ayush Mehendiratta—for instilling a mantra that transcends technique: never stop grinding. From Delhi nets to international comebacks, Ishant’s story is stitched with lessons in resilience, humility, and self-trust
On September 5, as India bows to the legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the cricketing fraternity too pauses—not for a toss, but for a tribute. Teacher’s Day in Indian cricket isn’t just about chalk and talk; it’s about sweat, silence, and the sacred bond between coach and cricketer.
The Dronacharyas Behind the Icons
From Ramakant Achrekar’s quiet insistence on discipline to Rahul Dravid’s modern mentorship, Indian cricket has been shaped by teachers who rarely sought the spotlight. Achrekar Sir didn’t just coach Sachin Tendulkar—he sculpted him. His slap at Wankhede, now folklore, wasn’t punishment—it was a prophecy: “Play in such a way that others cheer for you”.
Ishant Sharma’s Grind Philosophy
Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, reflecting on his journey this Teacher’s Day, credited three mentors—Shravan Kumar, Jason Gillespie, and Ayush Mehendiratta—for instilling a mantra that transcends technique: never stop grinding. From Delhi nets to international comebacks, Ishant’s story is stitched with lessons in resilience, humility, and self-trust.
Social Media Tributes: A Digital Gurudakshina
Cricketers like Ajinkya Rahane, Gautam Gambhir, and Anil Kumble took to social media to express gratitude. Rahane wrote, “Here’s to letting the urge to learn, never die,” while Sehwag, ever poetic, tweeted:
“मेरे जैसे 'शून्य' को, 'शून्य' का ज्ञान बताया,
हर अंक के साथ 'शून्य', जुड़ने का महत्व बताया”
These aren’t just posts—they’re echoes of a culture where learning is lifelong, and every innings is a classroom.
Beyond the Boundary: Teachers in Every Form
In Indian cricket, the term “teacher” stretches beyond coaches. Teammates, physios, even opponents become educators. A bouncer teaches caution. A dropped catch teaches focus. And sometimes, a defeat teaches grace.
As India’s cricketing landscape evolves—with data analysts, mental conditioning coaches, and biomechanics experts—the essence remains unchanged: behind every great player is a teacher who believed before the world did.