Yuvraj Singh, Ratan Tata and Mohammad Kaif. (Source – Twitter/X)

The cricket world has come together to tribute to one of the top industrialists and philanthropists in the world, chairman of the TATA Group, Ratan Tata following his passing on Wednesday. A creative and visionary leader, Tata’s influence reached way beyond various businesses. Many cricketers were inspired by the growth and leadership of Ratan Tata. 

The entire cricketing fraternity including players, officials and fans has shared their heartfelt messages about his legacy, contributions, and commitment to social causes. His legacy will continue to motivate thousands of people and leave an undeniable mark on both cricket and society as a whole. 

Many well-known Indian cricketers started their career by working for the TATA group and not many are aware of this. It is important to note that Tata did not only focus on the industries that emerged as giants later but also had an interest in Cricket. One major impact was Ratan Tata’s noticeable contribution to Team India’s historic 1983 World Cup win.

TATA’s legacy of supporting and promoting cricket since the time of the founder Jamshedji Tata. This began when the TATA sports club was set up in 1937. Cricketers played for Air India, TATA Motors, Indian Airlines and many more sub-parts of the TATA group.

Also Check: Cricketers React to Ratan Tata’s Death

Let’s take a look at six cricketers who worked for TATA Group: 

6. VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman. (Source – Twitter/X)

VVS Laxman‘s association with the Air India cricket team represents a unique chapter in cricket, where the renowned batter showcased his skills in a different setting than the underpressure international domain. Laxman made a name for himself with his elegant strokes and crucial middle-order performances for India and played for Air India during the early years of his career. 

Playing for Air India allowed Laxman to be a part of a strong, competitive environment where he could interact with seasoned cricket and gain valuable expertise in various formats of the game. Air India, known for its strong cricketing culture, provided a platform for young cricketers like Laxman to showcase their talent. 

5. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur‘s association with the TATA group and TATA’s power as a cricketer gave a boost to the player in his cricketing career. This offered him the opportunity to hone his skills in a competitive yet supportive environment. 

As part of the TATA Group, he was able to compete alongside seasoned players, gaining valuable exposure that would later serve him well in domestic and international cricket. Thakur’s time with TATA Group was instrumental in shaping his development as a cricketer allowing him to sharpen his skills in various domestic formats.

4. Ajit Agarkar 

Ajit Agarkar. (Photo Source: X/Twitter)

The talented fast bowler and all-rounder made a significant contribution during his time with Tata Steel, showcasing his ability to swing the ball both ways. Ajit Agarkar‘s pace and precision made him an important player for the team. 

His time with Tata Steel not only highlighted his cricketing prowess but also highlighted his leadership abilities as he often inspired young players with his work ethic and dedication. During his time with Tata Steel, Agar showcased his leadership skills and led his team to various victories. 

3. Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif. (Source – Twitter/X)

In his initial days, Mohammad Kaif was associated with Indian Airlines, a sub-part of the TATA Group which gave him a boost in his initial time of the cricketing career. Kaif’s time with Indian Airlines was marked by his exceptional fielding and consistent batting performances. 

His ability to anchor innings and play aggressive strokes made him a vital part of the middle order, helping Indian Airlines secure crucial victories. Beyond this, Kaif’s leadership and determination always kept the other team players motivated and enthusiastic. 

2. Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa. (Source – Twitter/X)

The all-rounder played for Air India in his initial days and quickly established himself as a dynamic batsman with an impressive flair for scoring runs. Known for his aggressive stroke play, he became a standout performer in domestic cricket. 

Uthappa‘s ability to adapt to different formats of the game whether in one-dayers or T20Is made him a valuable asset to the Air India squad and his infectious enthusiasm on the field endeared him to fans and teammates. His journey with Air India laid the foundation for his future achievements in cricket as he blended raw talent with a relentless drive to excel, paving the way for a promising cricket career ahead. 

1. Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh. (Source – Twitter/X)

During his stint with Air India, Yuvraj Singh emerged as a formidable talent, showcasing his explosive batting style and powerful hitting. His ability to dominate bowlers and play match-winning innings made him a key player for the team. Yuvraj’s electrifying presence on the field and a flair of powerful hitting garnered the cricket fraternity’s attention. 

His commitment to improving his game was commendable and evident as he consistently delivered impressive performances, solidifying his reputation as one of the most talented young cricketers. His dedication helped him to grow and achieve heights in future for his cricket career.