Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @ratantata
In deeply saddening news, Ratan Tata, the esteemed chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on October 9 at the age of 86. A titan of Indian industry, Ratan Tata was renowned for his visionary leadership and extensive philanthropic efforts, leaving a legacy that profoundly impacted not just the business world but also the realm of sports.
The Tata Group has made significant contributions to cricket, notably as the official title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His passing has reverberated across multiple sectors, with the Indian cricket community mourning his loss alongside the nation.
Ratan Tata was celebrated for his humility, far-reaching influence, and unwavering commitment to innovation and integrity, inspiring countless individuals throughout his life. His contributions to Indian cricket, particularly through the Tata Group’s association with the IPL, were especially significant. Cricketers and sports stars, both past and present, have expressed their tributes to Ratan Tata following his death.
Rohit Sharma, captain of the Indian Test and ODI teams, expressed his emotions on X, stating, “A man with a heart of gold. Sir, you will forever be remembered as someone who truly cared and lived his life to make everyone else’s better,” alongside a photo of Tata.
A man with a heart of gold. Sir, you will forever be remembered as someone who truly cared and lived his life to make everyone else’s better. pic.twitter.com/afbAbNIgeS
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 10, 2024
Former Indian batter and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was among the first to visit Tata’s residence in Colaba. He wrote, “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/SBc7cdWbGe
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 10, 2024
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman commented on X, “End of an era as one of the greats of our country, Shri Ratan Tata Ji passes away. He will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to our country and for being such an incredible role model. Heartfelt condolences to all his well-wishers and admirers all around the world. Om Shanti.”
End of an era as one of the greats of our country, Shri Ratan Tata Ji passes away. He will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to our country and for being such an incredible role-model. Heartfelt condolences to all his well-wishers and admirers all around the… pic.twitter.com/HKm241WwIF
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 9, 2024
Joining Laxman in paying respects was former India pacer Dodda Ganesh, who shared his thoughts on X, stating, “You were an absolute doyen. Thanks for everything, sir. Rest in peace #RatanTata.”
You were an absolute doyen. Thanks for everything, sir. Rest in peace #RatanTata pic.twitter.com/0ePU8lXa1H
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) October 9, 2024
Virender Sehwag, another former Indian cricketer, honored Tata’s legacy on X, writing, “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.”
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 🙏🏼🌸 pic.twitter.com/CvTRS3VYXp— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 9, 2024
Irfan Pathan, a former India all-rounder, echoed similar sentiments, posting, “Deeply saddened by the loss of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He wasn’t just a business leader, but a true inspiration for millions. His dedication, integrity, and impact on India’s growth are unmatched. We’ve lost a giant, but his legacy will endure forever. Rest in peace.”
Deeply saddened by the loss of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He wasn’t just a business leader, but a true inspiration for millions. His dedication, integrity, and impact on India’s growth are unmatched. We’ve lost a giant, but his legacy will endure forever. Rest in peace.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 9, 2024
The outpouring of tributes continued with former India batsman Robin Uthappa reflecting on Tata’s leadership, stating, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Shri #RatanTata. Thank you for showing us what it means to lead with integrity & compassion. Rest in peace, Sir 🙏 #Gratitude.”
Saddened to hear about the passing of Shri #RatanTata. Thank you for showing us what it means to lead with integrity & compassion. Rest in peace, Sir 🙏 #Gratitude pic.twitter.com/q3nw5sYJeG
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 9, 2024
Yusuf Pathan paid homage, remarking, “Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri. Ratan Tata Ji. His remarkable leadership, global acquisitions, and philanthropic efforts have made a lasting impact on millions of lives. His legacy will forever inspire us. Rest in peace.”
Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri. Ratan Tata Ji. His remarkable leadership, global acquisitions, and philanthropic efforts have made a lasting impact on millions of lives. His legacy will forever inspire us. Rest in peace
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) October 9, 2024
Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra expressed gratitude for Tata’s inspiration, saying, “I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He was a visionary, and I’ll never forget the conversation I had with him. He inspired this entire nation. I pray that his loved ones find strength. Om Shanti.”
I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He was a visionary, and I’ll never forget the conversation I had with him. He inspired this entire nation. I pray that his loved ones find strength. Om Shanti. 🙏
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) October 9, 2024
Other cricketers and sports figures also shared their tributes, including Dinesh Karthik, Kris Srikkanth, Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, and various IPL franchises like Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In an official statement, Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran described Ratan Tata as a “mentor, guide and friend.” He stated, “For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass.”
The statement also highlighted Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and societal development: “Mr. Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction.”
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
