'This Statue Isn't Just Mine': Sachin Tendulkar Shares Throwback Picture, Pens Emotional Note as 'Life Comes Full Circle'

Sachin Tendulkar has share his journey from being a 10-year-old fan who sneaked into the Wankhede Stadium to watch a match to having his statue installed at the same venue in an emotional note on social media.

Tendulkar was honoured with a life-size statue at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai which was unveiled to the world on Wednesday.

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The sculptor of the legendary cricketer has been installed adjacent to the stand named after him at the venue where he also realised is childhood dream of winning an ODI World Cup in 2011.

“This photo has a very special place in my heart. From being a 10-year-old boy who was sneaked into the North Stand with only 24 tickets for 25 eager fans, to having my statue unveiled at the iconic Wankhede, life has truly come full circle. I still remember our joyous chants, the camaraderie of that group, and the overwhelming support of the @NorthStandGang over the years,” Tendulkar wrote on Thursday.

“To think that I first stepped foot in Wankhede as a fan, then went on to be the ball boy in the ’87 World Cup, lifted the 2011 World Cup, and played my last international game here – it is a journey words can’t capture,” he added.

Tendulkar, the most prolific batter in international cricket’s history, dedicated the statue to everyone who has stood by his side through his storied journey that made him one of the greatest ever sportsperson to have emerged from India.

“This statue isn’t just mine. It is a dedication to every non-striker, my cricket heroes, every teammate, every colleague, who stood by my side, for without them, this journey wouldn’t have been possible,” Tendulkar wrote.

“Wankhede, and cricket, you’ve been very kind,” he concluded.

Tendulkar’s wife and daughter were present during the ceremony which was also attended by Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, former BCCI president Sharad Pawar among others.

The sculptor has been created by a Maharashtra based artist Pramod Kamble.