When he was ten 10 old, Sachin Tendulkar remembers watching an ODI from the North Stand at Wankhede without a ticket
Sachin Tendulkar, the world-renowned cricket legend, recently unveiled his life-size statue at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The grand ceremony was a momentous occasion for cricket fans and admirers of Tendulkar worldwide. During the event, Tendulkar delighted the audience with anecdotes from his early visits to the stadium, and one particular story that stood out was his unforgettable experience as a 10-year-old boy watching an India-West Indies Test match in 1983 without a ticket. Let’s dive into the details of this remarkable incident and Tendulkar’s extraordinary journey at Wankhede Stadium.
A Memorable Childhood Adventure
Tendulkar’s journey at the Wankhede Stadium began at the tender age of 10. The excitement was palpable as the West Indies team arrived in India following their World Cup victory. Tendulkar’s brother’s friends, who were in their 30s and 40s and were avid cricket fans, decided to attend the highly anticipated Test match, and young Sachin was invited to tag along. Little did he know that this adventure would become a cherished memory that would shape his future in the world of cricket.
Sneaking into Wankhede Stadium
Accompanied by his brother’s friends, Tendulkar and his group of enthusiasts enjoyed the thrilling game from the North Stand of Wankhede Stadium. The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to watch the battle between India and the mighty West Indies. However, it was on their way back home that young Sachin stumbled upon a shocking revelation.
Overhearing a conversation among his brother’s friends, he heard the words, “achha manage diya, na?” It was then that Tendulkar discovered the astonishing truth – there were 25 people in their group, but only 24 tickets had been purchased. His companions had managed to sneak him into the stadium without a ticket. Tendulkar humorously remarked that being vertically challenged had its advantages, playfully acknowledging former India left-arm spinner Nilesh Kulkarni, who was present in the audience. This incident, though amusing in hindsight, would leave an indelible mark on his relationship with Wankhede Stadium.
Exploring the Wankhede Stadium
Tendulkar’s connection with Wankhede Stadium continued to grow stronger over the years. His initial adventure as an uninvited spectator would transform into a lifelong love affair with the iconic venue. He soon found himself on the other side of the boundary ropes, playing cricket on the hallowed turf. Tendulkar recalled playing in the Harris Shield final at the stadium and noted the spaciousness of the ground compared to other local grounds like Shivaji Park or Azad Maidan. These early experiences allowed him to develop a profound understanding of the pitch and conditions at Wankhede, knowledge that would serve him well in his illustrious career.
As Tendulkar’s cricketing journey progressed, he had the opportunity to take another significant step at Wankhede Stadium. In 1987, he was selected as a “ball boy” for the Reliance World Cup. This honor came with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. His hero, Sunil Gavaskar, invited young Sachin into the Indian team’s dressing room. At just 14 years old, Tendulkar felt incredibly honored by this gesture and it left an indelible mark on his young mind.
The following year, he achieved another milestone when he made his debut for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, and it happened at none other than Wankhede Stadium. This wasn’t just any debut; Tendulkar occupied the very seat in the dressing room that had once belonged to his idol, Sunil Gavaskar. The symbolism of this moment was not lost on anyone. It was a passing of the torch from one cricketing legend to the next, and Tendulkar would go on to make that seat his own and etch his name into the annals of cricket history.
Suggesting Dhoni as Captain
Tendulkar’s journey at Wankhede Stadium wasn’t just limited to his early experiences as a spectator and player; it also involved key decisions that would impact the course of Indian cricket. One such pivotal moment came after India’s disastrous performance in the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was contemplating who should lead the national team, and Tendulkar’s name naturally came up. However, aware of his ongoing ankle troubles and the immense pressure that came with captaining the Indian cricket team, Tendulkar made a selfless and astute recommendation. He suggested Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the leadership role.
Tendulkar’s choice of Dhoni would prove to be a turning point in Indian cricket history. Dhoni, under whose leadership India would go on to win numerous international tournaments, including the 2007 ICC World T20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, and the crown jewel, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Tendulkar’s wisdom and foresight in recognizing Dhoni’s leadership qualities and his ability to handle the immense pressure of leading a cricket-crazy nation were instrumental in shaping the future of Indian cricket.
Tendulkar’s Joy and Pride
During the ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, Tendulkar took a moment to express his happiness and pride in the Indian team’s performance in the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup. He commended the team’s brand of cricket and acknowledged their remarkable achievements. However, Tendulkar also displayed his characteristic humility by refraining from going overboard with praise, as he understood the pressure and expectations that come with being part of Team India. He believes in the players’ ability to perform without added burden and chose to support them in a way that was both encouraging and grounded.
Unveiling Tendulkar’s Statue
The grand ceremony at Wankhede Stadium wasn’t just about reminiscing and sharing anecdotes; it also marked the installation of Sachin Tendulkar’s life-size statue. The statue, sculpted by the talented artist Pramod Kale, stands as a symbol of Tendulkar’s iconic presence at the stadium and in the world of cricket. Accompanied by his wife, Anjali, and daughter, Sara, Tendulkar was joined by distinguished guests, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former BCCI and MCA president Sharad Pawar.
The unveiling of Tendulkar’s statue is a testament to his enduring legacy and his immeasurable contributions to Indian cricket. It serves as a constant reminder of the heights he scaled in his career and the inspiration he provided to countless aspiring cricketers across the nation and the world.
Tendulkar’s Influence and Legacy
Sachin Tendulkar’s impact on the cricketing world extends far beyond his on-field achievements. While his cricketing records and accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary, it is his humility, dedication, and unwavering love for the game that have earned him admiration and respect from fans, fellow cricketers, and the cricketing fraternity at large.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla shared an incident that exemplified Tendulkar
‘s commitment to the sport. Tendulkar, despite being a cricketing deity and a national hero, declined the opportunity to take on the captaincy of the Indian cricket team. His unwavering focus on the game and his desire to contribute as a player rather than a leader demonstrated his selflessness and dedication to the sport that had been his life.
Another instance that showcases Tendulkar’s down-to-earth nature and commitment to the sport is his refusal to accept a bungalow entitled to him as a Rajya Sabha member. He chose to forgo the privileges and perks that often come with public office, instead focusing on his true passion – cricket. In conclusion, Sachin Tendulkar’s childhood adventure at Wankhede Stadium without a ticket is not just a charming anecdote; it is a testament to his lifelong connection with the iconic venue.
From his early days as a spectator to becoming a celebrated player and a cricketing icon, Tendulkar’s journey at Wankhede Stadium is a story of passion, dedication, and destiny. As his life-size statue now graces the stadium, it stands as a powerful symbol of his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. Sachin Tendulkar’s name is etched in the annals of cricketing history, and his influence on the sport will continue to inspire generations of cricketers and fans for years to come.
