Sachin Tendulkar’s Statue Unveiled at Wankhede Stadium: A Journey of Legends and Memories

In a momentous event at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar’s life-sized statue was unveiled on Wednesday. For Tendulkar, this occasion marked the culmination of a journey that began when he visited the stadium as a wide-eyed 10-year-old in 1983. His journey from a young spectator without a ticket to witnessing his statue being installed at the same venue after four decades is a testament to his remarkable career and the cherished memories associated with Wankhede.

The unveiling ceremony was graced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Tendulkar was joined by his wife Anjali and daughter Sara. Distinguished personalities from the cricketing world, including former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and International Cricket Council (ICC) chief Sharad Pawar, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Ashish Shelar, vice-president Rajiv Shukla, and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Amol Kale, were also present to honor the cricketing icon.

Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Tendulkar expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is indeed a special moment for me. I am truly humbled when I stand here. It is truly an honour to walk on this turf which has given me everything in life.”

Recalling his first visit to the Wankhede Stadium, Tendulkar shared a delightful anecdote. “My first visit to the Wankhede Stadium was in 1983 when I was just 10 years old. The excitement was palpable as the West Indies had come to India. Despite not having a ticket, I managed to attend the match. I was a part of the North Stand gang, making noise and enjoying the game,” he reminisced.

Tendulkar humorously revealed how he managed to attend the match without a ticket, saying, “There were 25 of us and we only had 24 tickets. I had to be hidden among the crowd. Sometimes, being vertically challenged can also work well for you.”

Additionally, Tendulkar shared insights into his role in recommending Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain of the Indian cricket team in 2007. He recalled a meeting with Mr. Pawar, the then BCCI president, during which he suggested Dhoni’s captaincy due to his ankle injury. “I told him that as a player, my leadership role will always be there. Only the captain’s tag won’t be there. That’s the reason I suggested that Dhoni be made the captain, and the rest is history,” Tendulkar added.

The unveiling of Tendulkar’s statue at Wankhede Stadium not only celebrates his illustrious cricketing career but also immortalizes the memories of a young boy who dreamt big while sitting in the stands of this historic venue.