Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar penned a heartfelt note, sharing his remarkable journey, recounting how he, as a 10-year-old fan, once sneaked into the iconic Wankhede Stadium to watch a cricket match.
And now the same stadium proudly houses a life-size statue of the Master Blaster. The statue is adjacent to the stand proudly named after one of the greatest batters of all time, Tendulkar. The unveiling ceremony of Tendulkar's statue at the Wankhede Stadium took place on Wednesday, November 1.
This statue is a fitting tribute to India’s batting maestro’s contribution to the game, his unwavering dedication, and the everlasting legacy he etched in the history of the game.
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For Tendulkar, the Wankhede Stadium holds a special place, not only for being the venue for his incredible feats but also as the place where he fulfilled his long cherished dream of winning the World Cup in 2011.
Sharing an unseen picture along with a couple of images from the event, Tendulkar wrote on X: “This photo has a very special place in my heart. From being a 10-year-old boy who was sneaked into the North Stand with only 24 tickets for 25 eager fans, to having my statue unveiled at the iconic Wankhede, life has truly come full circle.”
He further noted, “I still remember our joyous chants, the camaraderie of that group, and the overwhelming support of the @NorthStandGang over the years. To think that I first stepped foot in Wankhede as a fan, then went on to be the ball boy in the '87 World Cup, lifted the 2011 World Cup, and played my last international game here – it is a journey words can't capture.
This statue isn't just mine. It is a dedication to every non-striker, my cricket heroes, every teammate, every colleague, who stood by my side, for without them, this journey wouldn’t have been possible. Wankhede, and cricket, you've been very kind. ???????????????? “