Renowned for his impeccable contributions to India’s economic growth and his philanthropy, Ratan Tata was also immensely passionate about cricket.

Ratan Tata and Sourav Ganguly His love for the bat ball game went beyond the boundaries of fandom as he played a pivotal role in supporting and uplifting several Indian cricketers throughout his life.

Under Ratan Tata's tutelage, the Tata Group not only transformed industries but also became a lifeline for Indian cricketers. Many cricketers, including legends like Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, VVS Laxman and others benefitted from the Tata Group's support. 

Through various Tata companies, the conglomerate offered cricketers job opportunities, financial backing and flexibility, enabling them to pursue their cricketing ventures without financial worries.

How Ratan Tata’s Tata Group Fostered the Rise of Indian Cricket

It was not just limited to a few players, several others including Farokh Engineer, Mohinder Amarnath, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa received support from Rata Tata's Tata Group. Farokh Engineer received a great deal of support from Tata Motors, which is one of the conglomerate’s flagship companies.

On the other hand, Air India, a part of the Tata Group, played a crucial role in the careers of Mohinder Amarnath, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa and VVS Laxman.  The flag carrier airline of India provided an opportunity to pursue cricket at the highest level while having professional stability.

Meanwhile, Indian Airlines, which is another Tata-associated company, served as a launchpad for athletes like Javagal Srinath, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Mohammed Kaif. Their association with Indian Airlines helped them focus on their game without financial worries.

For the record, former Indian pacer and current Chairman of the Senior Men's Selection Committee, Ajit Agarkar was associated with Tata Steel. Former Indian left-arm medium pacer, Rusi Surti, who played 26 Tests from 1960 to 1969, had ties with IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Limited).

In recent times, Shardul Thakur (Tata Power) and Jayant Yadav (Air India) continued to benefit from the Tata Group’s commitment. More than just a fan, Ratan Tata was a prominent figure behind the scenes where he offered opportunities and assistance to generations of Indian cricketers. Over the years, numerous cricketers have received assistance from different Tata Group companies.