Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday said the demise of former Cricket Board president Rajsingh Dungarpur was a personal loss, which he will find hard to overcome.
"When I scored runs, Rajbhai was among the first to call and wish me. Yesterday, we won in Sri Lanka (Compaq Cup tri-series title) but after the previous match we came to know of Rajbhai's demise," he said.
"It's a personal loss to me which I will find difficult to overcome. All I can say is Rajbhai is definitely watching us and I dedicate my hundred to Rajbhai. We all miss him," an emotional Tendulkar said at the condolence meeting for Dungarpur, held at the Cricket Club of India.
Dungarpur died on Saturday following protracted illness in his home in Mumbai.
The champion batsman had arrived from Sri Lanka on Tuesday morning along with other team members.
He also suggested to the management of the CCI, of which Dungarpur was president for almost 15 years before quitting the post after falling ill almost two years ago, to name the main entrance gate in the former BCCI chief's memory.
'Dungarpur's contribution can never be forgotten'
Dungarpur, the man who introduced Tendulkar to the world
Raj Singh Dungarpur passes away
Rahane drawing inspiration from Tendulkar
Rohit Sharma run-riot at CCI