Ratan Tata passed away late on Wednesday at the age of 86. The former chairman of the Tata Group led the conglomerate for over 20 years and had recently been in intensive care at a Mumbai hospital. In a statement, the company expressed, "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."
The legendary businessman was also known for his passion for sports and his support for Indian cricketers and athletes. Many current and former cricketers benefited from the Tata Group's backing, which included job opportunities, financial support, and various initiatives to promote sports in India.
Former cricketer Farokh Engineer received support from Tata Motors, while Air India played a crucial role in the careers of players like Mohinder Amarnath, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa, and VVS Laxman. Additionally, Indian Airlines, also linked to the Tata Group, provided a platform for cricketers such as Javagal Srinath, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Mohammed Kaif.
Shardul Thakur benefited from Tata Power, and Jayant Yadav received backing from Air India. Even BCCI chief selector and former player Ajit Agarkar was supported by Tata Steel, showcasing the conglomerate's significant impact on Indian cricket.
Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai. He served as the Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 until his retirement in 2012. After retiring, he took on the role of Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons. Additionally, he is the Chairman of the Ratan Tata Trust and the Dorabji Tata Trust, two of India’s largest philanthropic trusts promoted by the private sector.
He was honoured with the country's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008.
