Introduction
As India prepared to face Sri Lanka in a crucial ICC ODI World Cup match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, an honour was bestowed upon cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. A special ceremony was held a day before the match to unveil a statue of the iconic batsman. The statue, depicting one of Tendulkar’s graceful lofted hits, was installed next to the Sachin Tendulkar stand at the stadium, which holds significant sentimental value for the cricketer. However, the statue’s unveiling has sparked controversy, with many claiming that it bears a striking resemblance to Australian cricketer Steve Smith. As per a PTI report, the statue was made by Pramod Kamble, who is a painter-sculptor from Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) November 2, 2023
An Honorary Tribute to Sachin Tendulkar
The unveiling of a statue in honor of Sachin Tendulkar at his home ground, the Wankhede Stadium, was intended to be a special moment. Tendulkar, who turned 50, is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. The ceremony was attended by his family and several dignitaries as a gesture of appreciation for his contributions to the sport and his impact on Indian cricket.
Reaction of Sachin Tendulkar: pic.twitter.com/7Dl9w0ySLE
— Varun Kumar Rana (@VarunKrRana) November 2, 2023
Statue’s Resemblance to Steve Smith
As images and videos of the newly unveiled statue made their way onto social media, a significant number of cricket enthusiasts and fans were quick to point out that it bore a resemblance to Australian cricketer Steve Smith rather than Sachin Tendulkar. The striking similarity between the statue and Steve Smith became the subject of online discussions and memes.
Social Media Reactions
The controversial statue has triggered a flurry of reactions on social media. Several users took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their amusement and bewilderment at the sculpture’s uncanny resemblance to Steve Smith. Comments and memes flooded the internet, with users playfully attributing the likeness to “the Smith era” and joking about the “power of Smith.”
Social Media Buzz
- A user humorously suggested, “It is the Smith era and his impact. That’s why it looks like Smith’s sculpture. Maybe they made Steve instead of Sachin but it is the power of Smith.”
- Another individual quipped, “No doubt, it looks like Steven Smith’s statue.”
Conclusion
The unveiling of Sachin Tendulkar’s statue at the Wankhede Stadium was meant to be a heartfelt tribute to the cricketing legend. However, the unexpected resemblance to Steve Smith has turned it into a lighthearted social media sensation. While some may see this as a harmless case of mistaken identity, it has undoubtedly added an element of humor to the cricketing world and left fans amused by the unexpected comparison. As the ICC ODI World Cup match played on, cricket enthusiasts continued to enjoy the friendly banter and witty comparisons spurred by the controversial statue unveiling.
Pramod Kamble: Artist, Environmental Activist, and Creator of Eco-Friendly Ganapati
