Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. file | Photo Credit: PTI
In his own words, life has come full circle for Sachin Tendulkar, who is set to be honored with a life-size statue at the Wankhede Stadium, the place where it all began for him.
The cricket icon’s journey began here under childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar, and it was at this venue that he won the World Cup with India in 2011.
He also retired from cricket at the same ground in 2013, playing in his historic 200th Test against the West Indies.
The statue is expected to be unveiled when he turns 50 on April 24.
Tendulkar said, ‘I started my cricket journey representing Mumbai. India winning the world cup in 2011 is the biggest moment of my life. My last match representing India was very memorable and it happened in Mumbai as well.
“Life has come a full circle for me at Wankhede, which has been witness to some very special moments. I was pleasantly surprised when the Mumbai Cricket Association suggested my statue at Wankhede.”
“I have always taken immense pride in representing Mumbai Cricket and my wonderful association with MCA continues to this day. I am extremely grateful to them for the kind treatment,” he added.
The announcement was made by Mumbai Cricket Association president Amol Kale on the sidelines of Tendulkar’s visit to Wankhede on Tuesday.
Tendulkar is regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats, thanks to his incredible career, which spanned 24 years and during which he broke numerous records.
The cricket icon already has a stand named after him at the Wankhede. He also has a wax statue at Madame Tussauds in London.
Meanwhile, Tendulkar and his wife Anjali met Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in the city on Tuesday. They discussed various issues, including children’s education and healthcare, for about two hours.