Rohit and Kohli Show Up Late at Wankhede as Tendulkar Unveils Statue

Shortly after Sachin Tendulkar unveiled his statue on Wednesday, the Rohit Sharmas and Virat Kohlis showed up at the Wankhede Stadium for match-even practise.

However, Tendulkar continued to attract the elite crowd even after the team had their

nets a meeting. Additionally, because all eyes were focused on the event taking place at the Mumbai Cricket Association lounge, Rohit had to postpone his news conference.

Tendulkar, though, is thrilled about Team India's style of play in this World Cup and is holding out hope that they will finally win the ICC trophy.

They are aware of their responsibilities and what the nation as a whole expects of them. I also won't put any pressure on them. I am aware that people frequently talk about things and

then stating, "Don't take pressure, koi pressure mat lena." That is not how it operates, Tendulkar stated.

Chants of "Saaachin, Saaachin" resurfaced at the Wankhede as he unveiled the statue between the Vijay Merchant Pavilion and the stand bearing his name. In attendance were BCCI secretary Jay Shah, former president of the BCCI and ICC Sharad Pawar, and chief minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde.

The dhol's rhythmic beats heightened the celebrations as Tendulkar, his brother Ajit, wife Anjali, and daughter Sara joined him.

"I wish to dedicate the statue to all of my teammates throughout my playing career," he declared.

Tendulkar recalled suggesting Mahendra Singh Dhoni's name and declining to be captain in 2007.

"When we lifted that (World Cup) trophy in 2011, it was the happiest day of my life," he reflected. Nothing happens "right now," I've heard. Yes, it requires time. I began training for the 2011 World Cup in 2007.

The decision to name Dhoni captain was made by Pawar, the BCCI president at the time, after Tendulkar's recommendation. This altered Indian cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar with wife Anjali (left) and daughter Sara (centre) at the Wankhede on Wednesday.

"I recall meeting with Mr. Pawar in England prior to The Oval Test, and I informed him that I will always have a leadership role in my role as a player. The only item missing is the captain tag.

But because both of my ankles were hurting, I don't think I could make it through the entire day at this point. Because of this, I recommended that Dhoni be appointed captain, and the rest is history.

In addition, he recalled his first visit to the Wankhede, where in 2013 he played his 200th and last Test match.

"I was only ten years old when I went to the Wankhede Stadium for the first time back in 1983. Following the World Cup, the West Indies visited India, and there was a lot of excitement.

"My brother's Bandra buddies, who are all in their 30s or 40s, made the decision to watch the game, and they invited me to go too. When I was returning home after watching the game from the North Stand with them, I overheard someone ask, "Achha manage kiya, na?" I think we handled it quite well, don't you think? Sachin had to be hidden)," Tendulkar recollected.

"After that, I realized that they had snuck me in because there were only 24 of us with tickets for the game." Being vertically challenged can occasionally be advantageous for you as well. I then had the opportunity to perform at Wankhede Stadium.

He remembered being fourteen years old the first time he batted at the Wankhede.

The Harris Shield final was taking place. With just nine fielders, I had never before realized there were so many gaps in the field. I had a very different experience on the Azad Maidan because it is impossible to tell which fielder is playing for which team.

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