Ratan Tata's support: The driving force behind Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and BCCI chief selector Agarkar's success
Ratan Tata was known to support Indian cricketers through his conglomerate. Here are some of the cricketers who received his backing.
PTC News Desk: Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away late Wednesday at the age of 86. He had been in intensive care at a Mumbai hospital prior to his death. In a statement, the Tata Group expressed its profound sorrow, stating, "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."
Beyond his corporate achievements, Ratan Tata was widely recognised for his passion for sports and his unwavering support for Indian athletes and cricketers. The Tata Group has played a significant role in fostering the careers of numerous current and former cricketers by providing job opportunities, financial assistance, and various platforms for growth.
Support for Cricketers from the Tata Group
Many cricketers have benefitted from the Tata Group's initiatives. Notably, former player Farokh Engineer received support from Tata Motors, while Air India was instrumental in the careers of Mohinder Amarnath, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa, and VVS Laxman. Indian Airlines, also associated with the Tata Group, offered opportunities to players like Javagal Srinath, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Mohammed Kaif.
Other players like Shardul Thakur and Jayant Yadav received backing from Tata Power and Air India, respectively. Additionally, BCCI chief selector and former cricketer Ajit Agarkar benefited from the support of Tata Steel.
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Controversies and Legacy
Ratan Tata's tenure at the Tata Group was not without controversy. In 2016, he was involved in a highly publicised conflict following the ousting of Cyrus Mistry, a member of the billionaire Shapoorji Pallonji family, as chairman of Tata Sons. The Tata Group cited Mistry's inability to revitalize underperforming businesses as the reason for his removal, while Mistry claimed that Tata interfered and established an alternative power structure within the company.
Following his retirement, Ratan Tata emerged as a prominent investor in Indian startups, backing several innovative companies, including Paytm, Ola Electric, and Urban Company. His contributions to trade and industry were recognised in 2008 when he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, for his exceptional and distinguished service.
Ratan Tata's legacy is one of visionary leadership, unwavering support for athletes, and a commitment to the growth and development of India’s economy, making him a revered figure in both the corporate world and beyond.
Also Read: Who Will carry Ratan Tata's legacy? A look at the potential heirs of the Tata group