Last year, on Teacher’s Day, former Delhi off-spinner Raj Kumar Sharma received a “grand surprise” from his pupil. Sharma was preparing to leave for office when Vikas Kohli, elder brother of India captain Virat, rang the bell. Handing Sharma his phone, Vikas pushed a bunch of keys into his palm. “Sir, Happy Teacher’s Day,” chirped Virat from United States. Parked outside Sharma’s house was a Skoda. “I was so moved by his act of affection,” commented an emotional Sharma in praise of his celebrated student.
Many years ago, batting great, Dilip Vengsarkar, remembered his mentors on his last day in first-class cricket (March 1992). At the end of the interview, he made a request. “Please do not forget to mention my coaches (Vithal Patil and Vasu Paranjpe).” His devotion to his gurus on the day of his retirement spoke for Vengsarkar’s respect for his mentors.
Bishan Singh Bedi never fails to mention Gyan Prakash, his first coach. “He taught me the importance of discipline and practice.” Some of the best achievers in cricket have looked after their teachers too. The dedication with which Sachin Tendulkar, Pravin Amre, Ajit Agarkar, Vinod Kambli and Samir Dighe have revered Ramakant Achrekar is exemplary.
There is a little known but highly inspiring tale of a student’s gesture towards his guru. Disturbed when he learnt of his coach, Tarak Sinha, being asked to vacate the rented house by the landlord, Ashish Nehra gifted his coach with a flat. “I didn't want my guru to worry about his house anymore,” was Nehra’s humble response even as Sinha raved, “He did what a son would do to his father. I was in a desperate state and he came to my rescue when I needed help the most.”
Sharma takes immense pride in his bright student. “It’s been a very special bonding with Virat. He was 9 when his father brought him to my coaching centre (West Delhi Cricket Academy). It was the opening day of the academy (May 30, 1998) and his father requested me to take care of Virat like a son.” Virat lost his father eight years later and Sharma assumed the role.
“A guru is more than a father in my opinion. The pupil becomes a family member. I have been fortunate that my students have respect for me. A good teacher assumes the responsibility of shaping the career of his students. A good teacher doesn't have favourites and I learnt this from my first coach (Anand Shukla). Tarak Sinha Sir taught us to respect elders and never to hurt your teacher. To me, Virat is as dear as my own son, who is 12 now. He is an ideal student any teacher would be proud of,” said Sharma.
A teacher or a guru, noted Sharma, has to be involved with his student 24 hours. The association can’t be restricted to the ground or academy. “You have to find a way to the heart of the student. You have to be with him when he is in need, shower him with love and affection, and be strict if he wavers. As a coach, I ensure I don’t alter the natural instincts of my students, allow them to grow,” opined Sharma.
I have seen Sharma touch Tarak Sinha’s feet, just as Virat bows to him. Tendulkar and Vengsarkar have no inhibitions as they find solace at their guru’s feet in public. The teacher-student tradition has been truly kept alive. How was it during his time? Sharma signed off on a lighter note. “September 5 was a Special Day. We did not know February 14!”
Virat Kohli on his coach: I am really blessed to have him as my guru. I owe my cricket to him. He has always been there in my tough times.. His technical inputs helped me develop as a cricketer. He is an ideal teacher...
