The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will soon have a new addition to its premises – a life-size bronze statue of one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Sachin Tendulkar. This announcement was made by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) in honor of Tendulkar’s contribution to Indian cricket and his love for the game.
The statue will be unveiled on April 24, 2023, which marks the 10th anniversary of Tendulkar’s retirement from all forms of cricket. The location of the statue will be outside the stadium, near the entrance gates, for fans and visitors to view and admire.
The MCA has entrusted renowned sculptor, Ram Sutar, with the task of creating the statue. Sutar is a Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee, known for his lifelike sculptures of famous personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The statue is expected to be around 10 feet tall and will capture Tendulkar’s iconic straight drive, a shot that he played to perfection throughout his career. The statue will be made of bronze and is expected to weigh approximately 750 kilograms.
The MCA is planning a grand ceremony for the unveiling of the statue, which will be attended by Tendulkar himself, as well as other cricketing legends and dignitaries. This statue is a tribute to Tendulkar’s contribution to cricket and will be a permanent reminder of his legacy for generations to come.
Tendulkar, who made his international debut at the age of 16, went on to become one of the most successful and revered cricketers of all time. He retired from international cricket in 2013, after a glorious career that spanned 24 years, during which he scored 100 international centuries and amassed over 34,000 runs in all formats of the game.
The Wankhede Stadium holds a special place in Tendulkar’s heart, as it was here that he played his last Test match for India in 2013. The stadium has witnessed many of Tendulkar’s greatest performances, including his memorable innings of 143 against Australia in the 1998-99 season.
The statue will not only be a tribute to Tendulkar’s contribution to cricket but also a symbol of his enduring popularity and the love and adulation he enjoys from his fans. The unveiling of the statue will be a proud moment for Indian cricket and a fitting tribute to one of its greatest icons.