WATCH: Sachin Tendulkar’s reaction on his life-size statue being unveiled during ODI World Cup 2023

On the occasion of Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, which is on April 24, the Mumbai Cricket Association will present a giant life-size statue that will be installed inside the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The statue of the Master Blaster is considered as world’s best batter and has scored around 35000 International runs. The statue will be unveiled during the ODI World Cup, later this year. The statue will be placed outside the MCA lounge on a circular platform.

Tendulkar started his cricketing career at a young age in Mumbai. The special gesture could not have come on any other ground except Wankhade Stadium. He won the ODI World Cup on this venue only back in 2011 when they defeated Sri Lanka to clinch the title, and played his final international game as well which was his 200th Test which he played against West Indies.

It will be a small token of appreciation from the MCA: Amol Kale

“Well, it’s a pleasant surprise. The president is here, Mr. Kale and the other committee members are going to join us in a while. We’ve come here to identify a spot. The idea was shared with me, and as I said it is a pleasant surprise. My career had started here and this is like the completion of a big circle,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying.

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#WATCH | Mumbai: On his life-size statue being erected inside Wankhede stadium by MCA, Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar says, "Pleasant surprise. My career started here. It was a journey with unbelievable memories. Best moment of my career came here when we won 2011 World Cup…" pic.twitter.com/OAHPP7QkSB

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2023

“It’s been a journey with unbelievable memories and the best moment of my cricketing career came here when we won the World Cup in 2011. The reason that happened was a long time ago when [Ramakant] Achrekar sir (Sachin’s coach) reprimanded me and from there on, I became a serious cricketer. The last international game I played as also at this very ground so it’s very special and a great moment for me,” the Master Blaster added.

The 49-year-old has a stand named on him at the Wankhede Stadium, and his wax statue at Madame Tussauds which was installed a long back in 2009, which was unveiled on his 36th birthday. “It will be the first statue in Wankhede Stadium, we will decide where it will be placed. He (Tendulkar) is a Bharat Ratna and everyone knows what he has done for cricket. As he turns 50, it will be a small token of appreciation from the MCA. I spoke to him three weeks ago and his consent was received,” Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president, Amol Kale was quoted as saying on The Indian Express.