New Delhi:Icon to millions across the globe and considered God in cricketing circles, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar is no longer brand ambassador of Indian Air Force. 

An honorary Group Captain in the IAF, Tendulkar, it was hoped, would galvanise youth to join air defence, but the legendary batsman failed to produce desire results. 

The IAF has now replaced Sachin with the basic trainer aircraft Pilatus. A deal has already been struck with Switzerland and 14 of the 75 ordered Pilatus aircrafts have already reached India, with pilots starting to train with them in Hyderabad.

Sachin was conferred with the honorary rank of Group Captain for his achievements in cricket ,making him the first sportsperson and the first person with no aviation background to be given a rank by the IAF.

The IAF had hoped that Sachins image in the Air Force uniform would motivate the younger generation to enroll and serve the nation.