‘Ye toh prank ho gaya’ – Fans claim Sachin Tendulkar’s brand new statue at Wankhede Stadium resembles Steve Smith

Sachin Tendulkar, an Indian cricket legend, is often regarded as one of the greatest batters in the history of the sport. He holds numerous records, including being the highest run-scorer in international cricket. Tendulkar’s career spanning over two decades is celebrated for his unmatched skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Meanwhile, Tendulkar often hailed as the “God of Cricket,” recently received a lasting tribute at his home ground, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on November 1 as the Maharashtra Cricket Association unveiled a special statue of the legend. Interestingly, the statue, initially scheduled for unveiling on Tendulkar’s 50th birthday in April, was finally revealed after some finishing touches were added to the sculpture.

Crafted by the skilled hands of Pramod Kamble, a renowned painter-sculptor from Ahmednagar, the statue serves as a poignant homage to Tendulkar’s illustrious cricketing career and his invaluable contribution to Indian cricket. Kamble’s creation skillfully captures the cricket legend in action, immortalizing one of his iconic cricket strokes.

The statue beautifully depicts Tendulkar engaged in one of his iconic cricketing strokes, preserving a moment of his legendary career. Its placement adjacent to the Sachin Tendulkar stand within the stadium is a perfect choice, symbolising the profound bond Tendulkar shares with the venue that witnessed his remarkable cricketing journey.

Fans started comparing the sculpture with Steve Smith

Over the years, Wankhede Stadium has been the backdrop to numerous iconic moments in Tendulkar’s storied career, making it a place of special significance for the Little Master. Tendulkar’s legacy continues to shine brightly, both on and off the cricket field, making him an enduring inspiration to countless aspiring cricketers and sports enthusiasts worldwide.

However, the statue’s unveiling stirred unexpected chatter on social media, as some fans began drawing comparisons between the sculpture and Australian cricketer Steve Smith. The unexpected resemblance sparked debates and humorous discussions among cricket enthusiasts. 

While the statue was intended to immortalize Tendulkar’s remarkable career, it inadvertently added a twist of intrigue with its resemblance to a contemporary cricketer, exemplifying the unpredictability that often surrounds the world of sports and its fans.

Here’s how fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/FreakyWasabi/status/1720012589588238608