PUNE: In the 2003-04 Sydney Test against Australia, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar delivered one of the most disciplined innings of his career, scoring an unbeaten 241 runs. This performance was particularly remarkable as he consciously avoided playing his signature cover drive—a shot that had led to his dismissal in previous matches. He was speaking at a special event organized to mark 75 years of Pune-based Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale. Madhav, Shrikrishna, Sanjay, Kedar, and Indranil Chitale were present on the occasion. Sports journalist Sunandan Lele took his interview on the occasion.
Reflecting on this innings, Tendulkar shared, “I had discussed with my brother Ajit about the shot, and he told me that the problem was not the shot but the shot selection. In Sydney, it wasn’t pre-decided that I wouldn’t hit a cover drive. Ajit had thrown a challenge at me if I could play without getting out, and I accepted the challenge. While I was leaving all the balls going out, I thought of not hitting the cover drive as it would get me in trouble.” This innings not only showcased Tendulkar’s technical prowess but also his mental fortitude and adaptability. By restraining himself from playing the cover drive, he demonstrated the importance of discipline and the ability to modify one’s natural game for the greater good of the team.
Drawing parallels between his cricketing discipline and Chitale Bandhu’s commitment to excellence, Sachin remarked, “I never believed in taking shortcuts. My father told me that it is okay if you fail, but never take shortcuts. I used to train for hours, and (Ramakant) Achrekar sir used to make me work hard for hours, and at the end of the day, he used to give me a coin; that used to be my medal.“
Tendulkar emphasized the significance of a strong support system, likening his career to a Formula 1 car operated by a dedicated team. “For me, my team included my family, my coaches, my teammates, the groundsmen, and the people who watched me play,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of adhering to good values, stating, “Good values eventually add to your valuation. Chitale Bandhu has upheld strong values, and that is the reason behind their success and the trust they have earned from generations of customers.“
Tendulkar’s insights at the event underscored the enduring principles of discipline, perseverance, and integrity, drawing a compelling connection between his cricketing journey and Chitale Bandhu’s legacy of excellence.
Shrikrishna Chitale said that the 75-year-old tradition of pride and taste has been sustained by the customers. Looking back, the contribution made by everyone in the family to grow the business is great. When Raghunathrao did business in Mumbai, it was the war days. When the army needed butter in large quantities, he used to travel from Jalgaon to Mumbai and get butter. He recalled that during the Panshet flood in Pune in 1961, Rajabhau Chitale closed his factory and made arrangements for the employees of the shop to stay. He expressed the feeling that the new generation has taken forward the sapling planted by the previous generation and brought it to its peak.
The customer has always been our brand ambassador. It is because of the principles of trust, quality, and the quality provided by Annapurna of the Chitale family that our products have reached many parts of the US and the world, and we intend to start plants in many places abroad in the future, said Sanjay Chitale on this occasion.
Kedar Chitale said that we will start a loyalty program soon. Actor Sankarshan Karhade moderated the program, and Indranil Chitale expressed his vote of thanks.
