Gavaskar and Tendulkar Share Memorable Moments as MCA Celebrates Wankhede Stadium's 50 Years
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Synopsis
On January 19, the Mumbai Cricket Association celebrated the 50-year milestone of Wankhede Stadium with cricketing legends like Gavaskar and Tendulkar reminiscing about their cherished moments, including India's 2011 World Cup victory. The event showcased cultural festivities and honored key figures behind the stadium's establishment.
Key Takeaways
- Wankhede Stadium marks 50 years of cricketing history.
- Legends shared their iconic memories from the venue.
- Sachin Tendulkar highlighted the significance of the 2011 World Cup win.
- Gavaskar expressed his connection and nostalgia with the stadium.
- MCA launched a coffee table book and postage stamp for the occasion.
Mumbai, Jan 19 (NationPress) As the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) commemorated the 50th anniversary of the legendary Wankhede Stadium, former Indian cricket captains including Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane shared their unforgettable experiences at this esteemed venue.
The celebration was marked by a vibrant array of music, dance, laser displays, and cultural festivities that showcased Marathi heritage. The icons of Mumbai cricket reminisced about their inaugural visits to Wankhede and its significance in their illustrious careers.
Gavaskar and Vengsarkar were part of the Indian squad that participated in the first international match held at this venue on January 19, 1975.
Sachin Tendulkar highlighted India’s victory in the 2011 World Cup at Wankhede, recalling the moment when he was paraded on his teammates' shoulders as the pinnacle of his cricketing journey. “My cricket dream would have remained incomplete without that victory,” he expressed.
Furthermore, Tendulkar reflected on playing his 200th Test and final international match at Wankhede in 2013. He shared that he had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to hold the last match at Wankhede so his mother could attend, as she had never seen him play live. The BCCI graciously granted this request, allowing his family to witness that moment.
Tendulkar stated, “As I entered Wankhede today, I felt those same emotions again,” acknowledging the deep connection he has with the stadium.
Recalling his first match as a spectator at Wankhede, where he watched India play against the West Indies at the age of 10, Tendulkar had always aspired to play there. He reiterated that winning the 2011 World Cup was the most extraordinary moment of his life, particularly being carried around the stadium by his teammates.
“Without a doubt, it was the highlight of my life. (Referring to Gavaskar) Their 1983 victory motivated me to aspire for a trophy of my own. We came close in 1996 and 2003, but we achieved the ultimate glory at my home ground—Wankhede. Until then, no host nation had claimed the World Cup,” Tendulkar remarked.
Gavaskar, the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, fondly described his “love at first sight” with Wankhede Stadium, recalling how stepping onto the ground for the first time felt like home, especially after having played at the Cricket Club of India’s Brabourne Stadium.
In a delightful surprise, the MCA celebrated Gavaskar’s 75th birthday during the event.
Dilip Vengsarkar reminisced about the series against the West Indies in 1975, while Ravi Shastri recounted his legendary achievement of hitting six sixes in an over during a Ranji Trophy match in 1985.
The MCA also unveiled a coffee table book documenting the greatest moments at Wankhede Stadium and released a postage stamp to commemorate its golden jubilee. Additionally, the MCA honored the family of SK Wankhede, the former association president instrumental in the stadium's construction, and Sharad Pawar, the former MCA, BCCI, and ICC president, for his pivotal role in realizing this venue.
