After being immortalised in the form of a statue at
the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Bharat’s cricketing colossus Sachin Tendulkar
shared some of the previously unheard stories from his decorated cricketing
career.
Sachin’s life-sized statue was unveiled at the
Wankhede Stadium on the eve of Bharat’s World Cup clash against Sri Lanka. The
statue is dedicated to 50 years of Tendulkar’s life and was installed by MCA
near the Sachin Tendulkar Stand at the stadium.
At the unveiling of the statue, Sachin shared some
memories from his career that not many know. One of those memories was from his
final Test against West Indies in 2013 at the Wankhede stadium.
“The 2013 was the most emotional day of my life on a
cricket field. I remember batting against West Indies and they (broadcasters)
started showing my mother on the big screen. I was trying hard not to lose
focus. Seeing my family members on the big screen, I struggled to stay focused
at the crease. I couldn’t help but wonder if the broadcaster was supporting us
or the West Indies, as they were trying to engage the crowd while the Test had
still not been done and dusted. These are memories that bring a smile to your
face,” said Sachin.
While his final Test moved him to tears at his
favourite Wankhede, Bharat’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup made him the
happiest, Sachin recalled.
“But the happiest day was no doubt lifting the (World
Cup) trophy in 2011. I couldn’t have asked or dreamt of a better moment in my
career,” Sachin added.
Talking about the Wankhede Stadium that holds a
special place in his heart, the Master Blaster shared, “My first visit to
Wankhede Stadium was way back in 1983. I was only 10 years old. West Indies had
come to India and it was just after India had won the 1983 World Cup.
My brother’s friends decided to go for this match. I
don’t know how it came about but a 10-year-old Sachin was also asked to
accompany them. I went along with them and enjoyed the game while cheering for
the team from the North Stand.”
When that stand gets behind the team, nobody can stop
India. So I was a part of that North Stand gang. On my way back home, I heard
that we did well. There were 25 of us and we only had 24 tickets. They told me
that we had to hide Sachin and sneak him into the stadium without drawing
attention.”
Years later, Sachin got an opportunity to visit the
dressing room, which, as his career progressed, gave him some of his most
cherished cricketing memories.
“I was selected as a ball boy in the 1987 World Cup. I
was sitting right here when a certain gentleman by the name of Sunil Gavaskar
invited me to the dressing room. I can never forget that. I was 14 then. For a
14-year-old to get invited into the dressing room was a big thing.
Next year, I made my debut for Mumbai in the Ranji
Trophy. But unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to play alongside Sunil
Gavaskar. There were 7 or 8 India players in the playing eleven in the dressing
room. As I walked into the dressing room looking for a spot, a seat at the far
left was vacant. I placed my kit bag there. It was later that I learnt that it
was Sunil Gavaskar’s seat,” Sachin added.
Speaking at the event, Maharashtra Chief Minister
Eknath Shinde expressed his delight over the unveiling of Sachin’s statue at
the Wankhede Stadium.
“It’s a happy day today as we unveil the statue of
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. I thank everyone for being here today. The
entire stadium used to echo with Sachin’s name. His statue will stand as a
source of inspiration for the future generation of cricketers.
We are all proud of Sachin. Such was his popularity
and greatness that even umpires would find it hard to raise their fingers when
he got out. The statue will only elevate the stature of the Wankhede,” said CM Shinde.
ANI
