The Madhav Apte role in shaping Sachin Tendulkar’s career – Batting icon pays tribute to Mumbai stalwart

Former India Test opener Madhav Apte, aged 86, passed away at the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai on Monday morning. Five-hundred-and-forty-two-runs at 49.27, three fifties and one hundred — that’s what Madhav Apte’s record read after 7 Tests. And yet, he never played another game for India.

Taking to Twitter, former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar paid heartfelt tribute to the departed soul and recalled fond memories with the veteran cricketer.

Sachin wrote: ‘Have fond memories of Madhav Apte Sir. I got to play against him at Shivaji Park when I was 14. Still remember the time when he & Dungarpur Sir let me play for the CCI as a 15-year old. He always supported me & was a well-wisher. May his Soul Rest In Peace’.

Apte played 67 first-class matches (three of them for Bengal) and was a consistent performer for all his sides. He also served as the president of the famous Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai. Under his watch, rules were changed at the club. Incidentally, this paved the way for a 15-year-old Sachin Tendulkar to represent the club as a player.

Tributes poured in all from quarters: