'He could pick out talent from a sea of hardworking hopefuls'

Tendulkar leads tributes to ex-Mumbai capt Milind Rege who passes away at 76
Cricket pundit Milind Rege, who died on Wednesday at 76, was serving as the cricket adviser of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). He leaves behind wife Raj and two sons.
Paying tribute to Rege, Tendulkar posted on X. "He was a true Mumbai cricketer with immense contributions to cricket in the city. He and other CCI members saw potential in me and asked me to play for CCI, which, as I look back now, was a landmark moment in my career.
"He could pick out a talented player from a sea of hardworking hopefuls. He had a special sixth sense to pick talent at all levels, but especially at junior levels. He leaves behind a void that's tough to fill. He may not be around, but his imprint on people's lives will always live on. He made a difference to so many lives and definitely made a difference to mine. Thank you, Sir, for everything."

An off-spinning all-rounder who played for Mumbai during a 'golden era' of their cricketing dominance, when they clinched 13 successive Ranji Trophy titles, Rege played 52 first-class matches from 1967-68 to 1977-78, in which he took 126 [email protected], with two five-wicket hauls, and scored 1532 [email protected], with a top score of 67 not out.
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A resident of Prabhadevi, Rege went to St Xavier's High School and St. Xavier's College with Gavaskar, and became best friends with him. In fact, it was at Rege's insistence that Gavaskar became an opener from his inter-school cricket days.
Former India batter, chief selector and India's 1983 World Cup hero, Sandeep Patil told TOI, "My support system of life has gone today. At my book release function (last year at the Cricket Club of India), he told me: 'See you in Kolkata'. I was waiting for him to visit me! He played a very important role in my life on and off the field. He and his wife Raj stood behind me in my trying times. Mumbai has lost its biggest supporter.
"His contribution in helping and building careers of youngsters will remain unmatched! He remained loyal to Dadar Union, CCI and the MCA. Even in his later years, he always wanted to be part of Mumbai cricket as a long-serving selector and administrator! I will keep missing him."
Calling Rege a stalwart of Mumbai cricket and his demise a personal loss, MCA president Ajinkya Naik, while speaking to TOI, said, "His contributions as a player, selector, and mentor were invaluable. His guidance shaped generations of cricketers, and his legacy will forever be cherished. May his soul rest in peace."
Rege played for Tata SC, the famed Dadar Union Club and Cricket Club of India. He later became the head of Tata Steel's Corporate Communications, Administration and Personnel functions.