WATCH: A huge statue of legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar unveiled at Wankhede Stadium ahead of IND vs SL World Cup match

Ahead of India’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka, the Mumbai Cricket Association has unveiled a life-size statue of legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar. The statue was unveiled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the presence of Sachin Tendulkar and his family members.

A video of the ceremony is also going viral on social media, where the association can be seen using paper flyers to celebrate the occasion. It’s worth noting that the decision to establish a statute was taken earlier this year when Tendulkar turned 50. The event is also graced by Sports Minister Sanjay Bansode, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, and Indian Cricket Board Vice President Rajeev Shukla.

Here is the video:

A grand inauguration of the Sachin Tendulkar statue at Wankhede stadium.pic.twitter.com/Bnj6Xp90Vv

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 1, 2023

Board Secretary Jay Shah, MCA President Amol Kale, and others were also present to witness the iconic moment. The statue, capturing the legendary batter in action, is installed next to the Sachin Tendulkar stand as a tribute to his 50th birthday, celebrated in April. Created by Pramod Kamble, a painter-sculptor from Ahmednagar, the statue’s pose was carefully selected after examining countless action images of Tendulkar.

The final choice was the iconic lofted drive pose, showcasing his left leg extended, body slightly bent, head held high, and the bat pointing towards the sky. Tendulkar personally approved the selected pose for the statue earlier this year. It’s worth noting that this is the first of its kind in India for a cricket player.

Can Sri Lanka stop India’s winning chariot?

Meanwhile, India is set to face 1996 World Champions Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The game will be a repeat of the 2011 ODI World Cup finals. In that game, India emerged victorious as they clinched the trophy for the second time after 28 years. The Indian team will be looking to continue their dominance in the ongoing tournament. A win here will qualify them for the semi-finals.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be keen to get back on track. They have to win all of their remaining games to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing tournament. The Kusal Mendis-led team will also look to avenge the 2011 final defeat against India and set the tone for the tournament.