Tendulkar treasures: Achrekar's coins, Bradman's bat, Knopfler's guitar

One would be spoilt for choice if asked to make a favourite pick from the following memorabilia: signed boxing gloves by Muhammad Ali, a guitar signed by Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler, a bat autographed by none other than Sir Don Bradman.

But ask Sachin Tendulkar and the answer will be the coins he earned from his childhood coach, Ramakant Achrekar, after those rigorous training sessions at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana ground.

During those days, Achrekar would put a Re 1 coin on top of the stump and if Sachin wouldn't get out, the coin would be the batsman’s.

"I think the most important memorabilia for me is the coins that I have got from my coach, Achrekar sir; those are the most important ones," said Tendulkar, at the launch of India's first celebrity commerce website Collectabillia in association with Cafe Coffee Day lounge.

The Collectabilia Celebrity Walls feature some rare, authentic memorabilia autographed by legends from different walks of life.

The collection includes Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th Test commemorative autographed bat, along with boxing gloves signed by Muhammad Ali.

After having a look at Ali's big gloves, Tendulkar said they are exactly the same that are there in his bungalow in Bandra, Mumbai.

"On my 40th birthday, I got a pleasant surprise from Anjana (Anjana Reddy, who is MD of ‘Universal Sportsbiz’ that operates collectabilia.com). The Muhammad Ali's gloves that you are seeing here -- I have one exactly like that at home signed by Muhammad Ali. That has to be a special memorabilia."

Another priceless piece of memorabilia has to be the framed picture and bat signed by Sir Don.

"Apart from Ali's signed gloves, Sir Don's autographed bat and framed picture another precious item that I possess," the cricket legend, who retired earlier his month, said. 

A music buff and big fan of Knopfler, it is obvious that rock star's signed personal guitar is also a treasured item.

"Other than cricket, I like motorsports and football, but moving away from sport then it is music. Music, obviously from the western part of the world… it has got to be Dire Straits.

“Knopfler presented me his personal guitar. So that has to be the top of the music (collectors' item) list," he said.

The iconic Lata Mangeshkar treats Tendulkar like a son, and, by the cricketer's own admission, he is waiting for a gift from "Lata Didi".

"Something which I am really looking forward to is Lata Didi has promised me something; so, hopefully, I should have that with me. It is a surprise. That is something I am looking forward to. It will be a special one. These are the top three artistes as far as music is concerned for me.

"Among Indian musicians, Ashaji gave me her own personal record, which was from the 70s. It was signed and a song the way it is meant to be sung (notations) in her handwriting, which is really special to me.

“A R Rahman, who is a good friend, gave me his personal guitar; so that is dear to me."

For Tendulkar, what makes these memorabilia special is the feeling associated with those items when these great musicians parted with them.

"Like me, there are so many millions and millions of fans who have enjoyed their music. This is something which must have been personal to them before they decided to part with. So it has a special value to me because AR being a close friend. Also the blessings of the two great singers of many generations, Lata Didi and Ashaji, make these items special," he said.