In a surprising turn of events, the recent unveiling of Sachin Tendulkar’s statue at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, intended to pay homage to the legendary Indian cricketer’s storied career, has sparked an unexpected controversy. Fans quickly took to social media to point out an unusual detail: the statue’s uncanny resemblance to Australian cricketer Steven Smith, rather than to the Master Blaster himself. This bizarre mismatch soon became fodder for numerous memes and witty remarks online.
Amid the buzz surrounding this peculiar twist, former England cricketer Michael Vaughan decided to bring the topic to light during a recent episode of the Club Prairie Fire podcast. Vaughan playfully questioned Ravi Shastri, former India coach, on what Tendulkar might think of his bronze doppelgänger bearing a closer resemblance to Smith than to himself.
“Don’t even go there!” said Shastri, deflecting the cheeky inquiry with a chuckle. “I have not even met him. So I have not asked him. I’d like to pick his brain on what he thinks (about it). Where did he play that shot?” He further mentioned that Tendulkar’s facial expression upon seeing the statue would reveal whether he was amused or critical of the likeness. “I will know from his face whether he is happy with that statue or he is not because it won’t be long to know,” Shastri added.
As the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 unfolds, discussions about Sachin’s statue have served as a surprising sideshow to the more pressing debates surrounding the future of the 50-over format. Shastri weighed in on this as well, suggesting that the format be shortened to accommodate modern viewing habits. Reflecting on the evolution from the 60-over game India won in the 1983 World Cup to today’s 50-over matches, he argued for a further reduction.
“I think changes have to be made… You have to evolve with time; you have to see the attention span of the spectator. It is diminishing. I think the way forward would be a 40-over game,” Shastri contended, pointing to the need to adapt to shorter attention spans and the convenience offered by smartphones.
Shastri didn’t hold back on discussing how spectators typically approach a day at the cricket grounds. “I see it with the crowds. They wait to see what has happened at the toss. If their favorite team is batting, they rush to the ground,” Shastri observed, noting the fans’ selectivity in attending only the portions of a match that interest them most.
This World Cup has witnessed sporadic poor stadium attendance and a notable deficit in nail-biting matches, leading many to question the viability and attractiveness of the 50-over format. Shastri’s comments underscore the growing sentiment that cricket, like all sports, must continually adjust to the demands and behaviors of its audience for it to remain a vibrant and engaging spectacle.
While the debate rages on about the future of one-day internationals, the conversation sparked by Tendulkar’s statute has added an amusing subplot to the cricketing world’s ongoing narrative. As the World Cup progresses, attention will no doubt remain on the performances and outcomes of the games. Yet, the statue resembling a notable Australian cricketer at Mumbai’s temple of cricket remains a curious curiosity, inviting fans and legendary figures alike to muse over its inception and the peculiar case of mistaken identity immortalized in bronze.