According to neighbours in Sahitya Sahwas, the Bandra residence of the Tendulkars, he had dinner with his family after which he retired to bed. However, he woke up in pain after midnight and was admitted to Bhabha Hospital. He had been unwell for the past few days.

According to sources, Sachin, who was scheduled to play in India’s World Cup match against Zimbabwe today, will fly back from England by a chartered flight. He is expected to reach Mumbai today. Sachin’s two brothers are also abroad. While Ajit is in Paris, Nitin, who is a purser with Air India, is in Chicago. Ramesh Tendulkar’s body has been kept at Bhabha Hospital. The funeral is scheduled tomorrow.

Tendulkar was a professor at Kirti College, Prabhadevi, in the ’60s. He has written several poetry books and used to write book reviews for some Marathi publications.

Dilip Sardesai, former Indian batsman and currently a Mumbai Ranji Trophy selector said, “It will be a shock to him and I hope he gets over it. I sincerely hope it does not affect his cricket.”

Ajit Wadekar, former India captain and currently chairman of the National Selection Committee was shocked to hear the news, “Don’t tell me! This is a terrible blow to him. His father taught him to play for the country and not for himself.”

Milind Rege, former Bombay captain and currently Mumbai selector, “It’s a tragedy. Losing someone dear is definitely a big tragedy.”