Sachin ‘Master Blaster’ Tendulkar, one of India’s greatest cricket greats will have a life-size statue at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai this year. The cricket legend reacted to this recent development, calling it a ‘pleasant surprise’.
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) members met Sachin recently to break the news. The MCA also let Tendulkar choose an exact spot where his life-size statue will be.
Sachin’s trophy-laden career makes him an inspiration to countless cricket fans in India and overseas. The life-size statue only builds up his reputation as one of India’s best-ever cricketers.
Why the Wankhede Stadium for Sachin Tendulkar’s Life-Size Statue?
Sachin Tendulkar played his first Ranji match at the Wankhede Stadium. He still has fond memories of his first games in the ‘80s and shares a special connection with fans at this stadium.
Tendulkar also played his last competitive game at the stadium, saying in his own words:
“Life has come full circle for me here. I have wonderful memories of this place, some memorable and some not-so-good. It’s a big moment for me.”
During the official announcement, Sachin also had this to say about the stadium:
“It’s (The Wankhede Stadium) a very special place for me, and a lot of things happened in my career… The amount of time that I have spent here is second to none, and I have enjoyed being here and playing here”
A notable moment for Sachin was when he and India’s national cricket won the 2011 ODI World Cup at the grounds. Sachin Tendulkar also has a stand named after him at the stadium.
When Will Sachin Tendulkar’s Statue be at the Wankhede Stadium?
Several reports suggest that Sachin Tendulkar’s statue will be ready within 8 weeks; however, a statement from the MCA suggests otherwise:
“As a small token of appreciation for his work, and as a special gift on his 50th birthday, the MCA will put up a life-size statue on the premises of the Wankhede Stadium, something similar to the statue of Shane Warne at the MCG. We are planning to do it during the ODI World Cup so that the entire cricketing fraternity is present during its unveiling”
Other reports, like one from the Indian Express, also suggest that Sachin’s statue might be unveiled on April 30, 2023, or later on in the year.
Sachin Tendulkar will turn 50 on April 24. He represented India’s national team in 200 Tests, one T20I, and 463 ODIs. His career spanned over two decades with many records broken and created by his cricket heroics over that time.
Where Will Sachin Tendulkar’s Statue be at the Wankhede Stadium?
Amol Kale (MCA President) and other association members led Sachin to pick a spot for his statue at the Wankhede Stadium.
Reports suggest that the cricket great picked a spot close to Wankhede’s MCA lounge. When asked about the statue’s proposed position, Sachin reportedly responded saying:
“The committee guided me, and in the area outside the MCA lounge, there will be a roundabout and the statue will come up there. The background of it will be the stadium… It is one spot, a crowd can come and get pictures clicked, and it is accessible.”
Other Players Apart from Sachin Tendulkar with Life-Size Statues and Honours at Stadiums
Shane Warne
The late Shane Warne had a life-size statue erected in his honor over a decade ago. One of Australia’s cricket greats, Warne’s statue still stands at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) where he performed several heroics throughout his career.
CK Nayudu
Former India captain Colonel CK Nayudu is one of the nation’s best-ever cricketers. It’s no surprise that Nayudu has three different life-size statues installed at separate stadiums in India.
The skipper has a statue at:
- Holkar Stadium, Indore,
- VDCA stadium, Andhra, and
- Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Nagpur.
Sunil Gavaskar
Ex-India captain and legend Sunil Gavaskar has a corporate stand named in his honor at Wankhede Stadium. Sunil and India’s national cricket stars provided fans with fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action for years. He’s one of the very few retired cricket stars with such an honor from an iconic, traditional cricket stadium.
Dilip Vengsarkar
Former skipper Dilip Vengsarkar is a legendary figure in Indian international cricket. The team leader has a corporate box renamed in his honor at Wankhede Stadium Mumbai. Dilip Vengsarkar featured for India over a long period and is one of the most popular names among the nation’s cricket stars for decades
