Cricket fans in Mumbai have something to look forward to at the Wankhede Stadium, as a life-size statue of the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is all set to arrive soon. The news of the statue was announced on Tendulkar’s 48th birthday, April 24, by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), which manages the stadium.
Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has a special connection with the Wankhede Stadium, where he played many memorable innings for the Indian cricket team and his IPL franchise, the Mumbai Indians. It is fitting, then, that the stadium should honor him with a statue.
The life-size bronze statue, which will be placed outside the stadium, is being created by sculptor Sujata Bajaj. According to reports, Bajaj has been working on the statue for several months, and has visited Tendulkar’s home to study his posture and mannerisms. The statue is expected to be unveiled later this year.
The idea of a Sachin Tendulkar statue at the Wankhede Stadium has been in the works for several years. In fact, in 2013, the MCA had commissioned a statue of Tendulkar, but it was later scrapped due to opposition from some members of the association who felt that the money could be better spent on other things.
However, the idea of a Tendulkar statue at the Wankhede Stadium gained renewed momentum in recent years, with many fans and cricket experts calling for it to become a reality. In 2018, a petition was even started on Change.org, urging the MCA to erect a statue of Tendulkar at the stadium. The petition received over 20,000 signatures.
The statue of Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium will join a growing list of cricketing statues around the world. In Australia, for example, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has statues of Sir Donald Bradman, Shane Warne, and Dennis Lillee, among others. Similarly, Lord’s Cricket Ground in London has statues of cricketing greats such as WG Grace, Ian Botham, and Viv Richards.
In India, too, there are several cricketing statues, including those of Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, and Anil Kumble. However, the statue of Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium will be unique, as it will be the first life-size statue of a cricketer in the country.
Apart from honoring Tendulkar’s contribution to Indian cricket, the statue is also expected to become a popular tourist attraction. The Wankhede Stadium already attracts thousands of visitors every year, and the addition of the Tendulkar statue is likely to draw even more fans.
In recent years, statues of famous cricketers have become more than just tributes to their sporting achievements. They have also become symbols of national pride and cultural heritage. The statues of Don Bradman in Australia, WG Grace in England, and Sachin Tendulkar in India, are not just statues of cricketers, but also icons of the countries they represent.
The life-size Sachin Tendulkar statue at the Wankhede Stadium will be a fitting tribute to the man who is regarded as the god of cricket in India. It will not only honor his contribution to the game, but also serve as an inspiration to future generations of cricketers.
In conclusion, the news of the Sachin Tendulkar statue at the Wankhede Stadium is exciting for cricket fans not just in Mumbai, but around the world. The statue is a tribute to Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary career, the statue will also serve as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers who visit the Wankhede Stadium. It will be a symbol of what hard work, dedication, and passion can achieve.
The Wankhede Stadium already houses a number of Tendulkar memorabilia, including a wall filled with photos of his illustrious career, a replica of his kit, and a giant portrait of the cricketer. The statue will undoubtedly enhance the stadium’s status as a must-visit destination for cricket enthusiasts from around the world.
Moreover, the statue will be a fitting tribute to Tendulkar’s contributions to Indian cricket. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport, Tendulkar has numerous records to his name, including the most Test runs and most ODI runs by any player in history.
He also played a significant role in India’s victory in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, which remains one of the proudest moments in Indian cricket history. Tendulkar’s impact on Indian cricket has been immeasurable, and the statue will be a lasting reminder of his greatness.
In conclusion, the arrival of a life-size Sachin Tendulkar statue at the Wankhede Stadium is exciting news for cricket fans around the world. It will be a fitting tribute to one of the greatest cricketers of all time and a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers. With the statue set to be unveiled soon, fans eagerly await the opportunity to see it in person and pay their respects to the master blaster.
