Sachin Tendulkar Statue Unveiled at Wankhede Stadium Ahead Of IND vs SL World Cup Match [Watch]

In an emotional journey back to where it all began, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar found himself standing amidst the grandeur of the Wankhede Stadium. From being a 10-year-old boy who sneaked into the stadium without a ticket to witness a match in 1983, to the moment when his life-sized statue was unveiled at this revered venue after four decades, the story of Tendulkar's connection with Wankhede is nothing short of remarkable.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presided over the grand ceremony that witnessed the unveiling of Tendulkar's statue at his home ground. The cricketing maestro was accompanied by his wife Anjali and daughter Sara. Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included former BCCI and ICC chief Sharad Pawar, the current BCCI secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Ashish Shelar, vice-president Rajiv Shukla, and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Amol Kale, among others.

Speaking on this momentous occasion, Tendulkar expressed his feelings, saying, "It is indeed a special moment for me. Around February, Mr. Shelar and Mr. Kale contacted me on behalf of the MCA with the thought of having my statue inside the stadium. I was extremely delighted, to be honest. I did not know how to react."

Tendulkar went on to express his deep gratitude, reflecting on the countless memories and experiences he has had on this hallowed ground. "I am truly humbled when I stand here. When I go to the ground, there are thousands of images that come to my head, so many incredible memories. It is truly an honor to walk on this turf, which has given me everything in life," he added.

Recalling his very first visit to the Wankhede Stadium, Tendulkar shared a charming anecdote. He reminisced, "My first visit to the Wankhede Stadium was way back in 1983 when I was only 10 years old. The West Indies had come to India, and this was after the World Cup. The excitement was palpable. All my colony friends in Bandra, not just 10-year-olds but also my brother's friends, who were possibly 30-40 years old, decided to attend the match."

Tendulkar further narrated how he ended up accompanying this enthusiastic group without a ticket, recalling, "I do not know how it happened, but a 10-year-old Sachin was also asked to come along. I went with them, we took a train from Bandra, got off at Churchgate, and enjoyed the entire game. By the way, I sat at the North Stand. We all cricketers know what the North Stand can do-when they get behind the team, no opposition can stop India and Mumbai."

He also revealed his participation in the famous North Stand group, which was known for their fervent support for the Indian team. "I was part of the North Stand gang, made a lot of noise, and thoroughly enjoyed the game. On the way back home to Bandra, somebody said, 'Achcha manage kiya na?' (Did we manage it well, didn't we?). There were 25 of us, but we only had 24 tickets. I asked, 'How did we manage?' The reply came, 'Usko Sachin ko chhupa ke le jana pada' (We had to hide Sachin between us to take him inside),'' he chuckled.

Tendulkar, with his trademark humor, playfully added, "Sometimes, being vertically challenged can also work well for you."

Reflecting on his role as a leader in Indian cricket, Tendulkar also shared a significant moment when he recommended Mahendra Singh Dhoni as India's captain in 2007. This decision was influenced, in part, by an ankle injury that was causing him discomfort. "I remember having a meeting with Mr. Pawar (the then BCCI president) in England, and I told him that as a player, my leadership role would always be there. Only the captain's tag won't be there. But at this stage, I don't think I can last the whole day as both my ankles were giving trouble. That's the reason I suggested that Dhoni be made the captain, and the rest is history," he recounted.