Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday got his deserved place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Coming to the revered venue as a 10-year-old kid, watching a match without a ticket way back in 1983, and witnessing his own life-sized statue being installed after four decades, it has been a journey to remember for the legendary Tendulkar.
The batting great's statue was unveiled at his home ground by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at a grand ceremony.
Tendulkar was accompanied by his wife Anjali and daughter Sara. The dignitaries present on the occasion were former BCCI and ICC chief Sharad Pawar, incumbent BCCI secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Ashish Shelar, vice-president Rajiv Shukla and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Amol Kale among others.
Tendulkar dedicated the evening to all the cricketing colleagues who supported him during his 24-year international career for India.
'Quite a few players that I played with, without their support, and their contribution, I would not have been able to last 24 years with India, So on this special evening, I would like to dedicate this to all the cricketers who have played with me, and not just played with me but they have also inspired millions (of people) across the globe. I think it's everyone's hard work which takes the game forward, and that is our ultimate goal, how can we keep cricket protected and get more eyeballs to the game. Fantastic news that cricket has been now included in the Olympics. So another opportunity for us to get the gold medal.'