From MS Dhoni to Sourav Ganguly: How Ratan Tata Helped India's Cricketers

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday after being admitted to a hospital on Monday for “age and related medical conditions”.

“It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation,” the company said in a statement.

From being the title sponsor of the glitzy Indian Premier League of cricket to supporting lesser-followed sports like archery to owning a football team in the Indian Super League to sponsoring a high-profile chess tournament, the Tata group has been deeply involved with the country’s sporting ecosystem. Most of this involvement grew during Ratan Tata’s tenure.

In fact, a lot of former cricketers as well as current ones were backed by the Tata Group – including jobs, financial support and opportunities.

Tata Motors backed Farooq Engineers as Air India was instrumental in the careers of players like Mahinder Amarnath, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa and VVS Laxman. BCCI chief selector and former player Ajit Agarkar (Tata Steel) has also received support from Tata.

Tata Group-affiliated Air India was a platform for players like Javagal Srinath, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif. Shardul Thakur (Tata Power) and Jayant Yadav (Air India) also received support from the Tata Group.

Sourav Ganguly (Tata Steel) and MS Dhoni (Indian Airlines) have also played for the Tata Sports Club (TSC), which was set up in 1937.

Cricketers Pay Their Tribute to Ratan Tata

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar said Ratan Tata’s legacy will continue through his foundations.

“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,” Tendulkar wrote on social media

One of India’s greatest spin bowlers and former captain Anil Kumble said, “Mr. Ratan Tata’s contribution extends far beyond business. His legacy of giving back to society will continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace.”

(With inputs from Agencies)