Tendulkar is one of us. Our hero does not insult him by perversely making idols a severe accusation from this Indian society these days. As a tribute to world-renowned cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, a statue of him was erected at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India, which was unveiled on the day of the last India-Sri Lanka match. However, many people think that the statue in question is more similar to the image of Steve Smith, the former Test captain of the Australian team than Tendulkar’s image. Indian reports state that this situation is developing into creating a controversial atmosphere. Most of the criticisms have been made through social media.
These criticisms are presented with examples prepared comparing Smith’s image and the corresponding statue. They argue that the statue is so deformed that it cannot be assumed that it is ‘Tendulkar’. However, social media users pointed out that it is very similar to Smith’s picture and that the image of Smith is created as soon as they see it.
Sachin Tendulkar has played at the Wankhede Stadium since childhood and is strongly associated with the ground. In 2011, India and Sri Lanka played in the World Cup final at this stadium. It was also Tendulkar’s last ODI. Tendulkar had also made a special request to the Indian Cricket Board to hold his last match at the Wankhede Stadium. Accordingly, it was decided to hold the 2011 final at the Wankhede Stadium.
Moreover, that match turned out to be exceptional in another way. Tendulkar’s mother also came to watch that match. Despite playing in hundreds of matches, Sachn’s mother had never had the opportunity to watch her son compete live. Accordingly, the 2011 World Cup final went down in history as the first time his mother came to a stadium and watched Tendulkar play a cricket match live.
However, a serious debate has been created regarding the statue built to honour this superstar and some point out that this has severely insulted Tendulkar, who is a sacred figure in India. Others have emphasised that steps should be taken to correct this mistake immediately. It is impossible to predict the outcome of this matter, which has created a severe conversation in social media today.
