Ratan Tata, the revered industrialist, philanthropist, and former Chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on Wednesday (October 9) at the age of 86. Known for his business acumen and extraordinary leadership that shaped the global success of the Tata Group, Tata was equally admired for his philanthropic contributions that transformed lives across India. Beyond business and charity, Tata had a deep and enduring love for sports, particularly cricket, a passion that saw him play a key role in supporting Indian cricket.

A lifelong passion of Ratan Tata for the game

While Ratan Tata’s accomplishments in the world of business are well-documented, his affection for cricket and his commitment to supporting the sport is less widely known but just as significant. Tata’s love for cricket went beyond being a mere spectator. His deep understanding of the game, coupled with a desire to uplift Indian talent, led the Tata Group to support numerous cricketers at the national and international levels. Under his guidance, the conglomerate became instrumental in nurturing Indian cricketers and providing opportunities that helped shape the careers of several cricketing legends.

The Tata Group, under Ratan Tata’s leadership, has long been a supporter of Indian cricket, with various companies under its umbrella playing pivotal roles in the careers of many cricketers. This connection stretches back decades and has seen both veterans and modern-day players benefit from the conglomerate’s extensive support network. Tata’s love for cricket and his visionary leadership made sure that his companies actively contributed to Indian cricket, helping players find stable employment while focusing on their game.

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The Tata Group’s profound connection with Indian cricket

Several cricketers owe part of their success to Tata Group-associated companies, particularly Air India, which played a significant role in supporting Indian cricketing talent. Legendary batter VVS Laxman, wicketkeeper-batsman Robin Uthappa, and former all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath were all associated with Air India. Similarly, former cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar also found support through the airline. These players benefited not only financially but also gained the flexibility to focus on their sporting careers while working for a company that understood the value of cricket.

Another Tata-linked entity, Indian Airlines, provided opportunities to some of India’s most celebrated cricketers. All-rounder Yuvraj Singh, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, and former middle-order batter Mohammad Kaif were among the notable names associated with Indian Airlines. Javagal Srinath, former fast bowler and now an ICC match referee, was also supported by this Tata-linked organization. Indian Airlines played a crucial role in providing cricketers with the financial backing and time they needed to hone their skills and compete at the highest level.

A legacy of supporting Indian cricket

The legacy of Tata Group’s involvement with cricket extends to other companies within the conglomerate as well. Former wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer was supported by Tata Motors, while modern-day players such as bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur found backing through Tata Power. Tata Group’s commitment to supporting sports has allowed cricketers like these to excel in their careers, both on and off the field, providing them with a stable foundation.

Ajit Agarkar, a former cricketer and now the chief selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was employed by Tata Steel, another arm of the Tata Group. His association with the conglomerate is a testament to Tata’s enduring commitment to Indian cricket. Additionally, former left-arm medium-fast bowler Rusi Framroze Surti was connected with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), another Tata Group enterprise. These associations highlight how deeply rooted the Tata Group has been in supporting Indian cricketers across generations.

Ratan Tata’s commitment to cricket was not just limited to business decisions but was part of his broader vision to support Indian sports. His passion for the game and the Tata Group’s long-standing involvement in cricket have left an indelible mark on the sport in India. From providing jobs to offering crucial financial backing, Tata’s legacy in cricket extends beyond his business empire, making a lasting contribution to the success of Indian cricket and the lives of many legendary players.

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