Ratan Tata passes away: Yuvraj Singh to Shardul Thakur - Cricketers who received support from late industrialist

Add as a preferred source on Google

Ratan Tata passes away: Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 86 at the Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday, leaving a void irreplaceable in the country.

Tata was not only a revered industrialist, but also a philanthropist and a social worker respected even by his competitors. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour in India, in the field of trade and industry in 2008.

The former Tata Group and Tata Sons chairman was also an avid sports fan, and had a keen interest in the sport of cricket. Tata group becoming the title sponsors of the IPL after VIVO's exit following border tensions between India and China also made big headlines. Tata also sponsored the Titan Cup in 1996.

Several companies under the Tata Group Umbrella have given Indian cricketers job opportunities, financial aid, and an environment in which they can grow professionally.

While Farokh Engineer was associated with Tata Group, Mohinder Amarnath, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa and VVS Laxman received support from Air India.

Tata Group's Indian Airlines also served as a launching pad for many athletes including Javagal Srinath, Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh.

Current India chief selector Ajit Agarkar was also once part of Tata Steel. Among the list of active cricketers, Shardul Thakur (Tata Power) and Jayant Yadav (Air India) have benefited from the support of the Tata Group.

The Indian cricket fraternity mourned the respect of Rata Tata, and acknowledged his contribution to the growth of India.

"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. From his love for animals to philanthropy, he showed that true progress can only be achieved when we care for those who don't have the means to take care of themselves. Rest in peace, Mr Tata. Your legacy will continue to live through the institutions you built and values that you embraced," Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X.

"We have lost a true Ratan of Bharat, Shri Ratan Tata ji. His life will be an inspiration for us all and he will continue to live in our hearts. Om Shanti," Virender Sehwag wrote.