–Sanjiv Navangul
Milind Rege. The name summons up a time when Mumbai were the champion team whom no one defeated in the Ranji Trophy, had up to seven players in the Indian team, and always produced leaders and coaches to sustain the cricketing culture that keeps producing gems like Yashasvi Jaiswal even today.
Incidentally, Milind was a great friend of Sunil Gavaskar since childhood and they grew up together, with Sunil always turning to him as a friend. His contribution, just in this regard, was huge for Indian cricket.
Let me draw your attention to something that tells you why Mumbai is the cradle of India cricket and will continue to be so. For most of the 1960s and ’70s, Mumbai’s Ranji team was basically the India team. When India were playing and the Ranji season was on, the unlucky players who could not play for the Mumbai Ranji team would get chances. One of the major stalwarts who handheld them and helped these players perform and imbibe the Khadoos Mumbai mentality was Milind. A few others were there too, and they ensured that the cradle of cricket kept rocking and never lost Ranji Trophy matches for years together.
Milind did not stop after his playing days were over, and considered it his responsibility to nurture cricketers in Mumbai continuously for as long as he could be at the grounds in person. Beyond his personal contribution, Milind also reflected on how talent is nurtured and built, and how a cricket culture is kept alive. Such people teach us talent management the best way. His contributions won’t be forgotten. Om Shanti.
— Sanjiv Navangul, MD, Bharat Serums and Vaccines.