A grand tribute awaits cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar as a life-sized statue of the Master Blaster is set for unveiling at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, on the eve of India’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka.
The monument is a remarkable masterpiece that perfectly captures the spirit of the iconic batter as he skillfully executes his signature, over-the-top stroke. Pictures of the statue were unveiled yesterday. The renowned cricket player and the location where he produced many amazing moments have a symbolic connection because of its well-chosen placement next to the Sachin Tendulkar Stand.
In the final moments leading up to the inauguration, work has been underway to add the finishing touches to this magnificent statue, celebrating the maestro who marked his 50th birthday in April.
The event is expected to be a glamorous occasion with a distinguished guest list of luminaries. Tendulkar, the man of the moment, will be present to honour the event. Other important attendees include the esteemed Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, and Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde. The world of cricket will also be well-represented, with prominent members of the BCCI, like as Secretary Jay Shah and Treasurer Ashish Shelar, making an impression. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) will also be present, with President Amol Kale, Secretary Ajinkya Naik, and other members of the apex council coming together to pay tribute to the Master Blaster on this momentous occasion.
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Artistic creation of Pramod Kamble
The sculpture is the artistic creation of Pramod Kamble, a talented painter-sculptor hailing from Ahmednagar, in Maharashtra. His skill and dedication have brought the vision of this statue to life, immortalising Tendulkar in the very heart of Indian cricket. Remarkably, this installation comes almost a decade after Tendulkar’s final appearance for India, an emotional moment etched forever in the history of Indian cricket. It was back in November of 2013 when Tendulkar last donned the Indian jersey in his farewell match against West Indies on his home ground.
Tendulkar’s legacy, stand that bears his name
Tendulkar, whose cricket journey commenced in Mumbai, found the perfect stage for a special tribute. The iconic Wankhede has significant memories for him, as it was here that he achieved the pinnacle of his career by winning the 2011 World Cup. Besides having a stand named after him, Tendulkar’s legacy extends to places like Madame Tussauds, where his wax statue was unveiled in 2009. This milestone made him the first Indian sportsperson to his replica in the museum, coinciding with his 36th birthday.
In ODIs, he amassed 455 runs in 11 matches, boasting an impressive average of 41.36, which includes a century and three half-centuries. His dominance at this venue remains unparalleled, with Mohammad Azharuddin and Virat Kohli trailing in his wake. In the Test format, Tendulkar’s record is equally stellar, with 847 runs from 10 matches at an average of 47.05, including a memorable 148 against Sri Lanka in 1996-97.
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