Mumbai: Sir Neville Cardus – the great English writer – had once said: “Cricket more than any other game is inclined towards sentimentalism and cant.” Indians endorse sentiments and the assemblage at the Sachin Tendulkar Stand at the Wankhede Stadium here during Indian Premier League substantiates the mood.
The ‘cant’ factor never applied to Tendulkar. Even after two years of his disappearance from 22 yards, he stands tall right beside the press box. While some buy a ticket here to feel close to the maestro, some for the view of it.
One of the spectators said: “We try to book a ticket here because it gives us the television view.”
A toddler, on her father’s lap, murmured: “Daddy, will Sachin come and meet us?”
“I hope he does that someday,” said the father.
The Tendulkar stand, like his calm demeanour on the pitch during Tests, had a section of Lord’s-like people. They sat quietly, clapped after a poetic cover-drive and nodded in agreement of a leg-before decision. On the other hand, there were enthusiastic youngsters keyed up with their vuvuzelas and blue flags who stood up on the chairs to dance after every over.
The kids’ voices reverberated till the Marine Drive – quite like Tendulkar, the explosive ODI opener.
Nonetheless, the Tendulkar gallery speaks for and by cricket, respects every international cricketer. They applause opponents too.
In 2011, when India played Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup final, Lasith Malinga removed Tendulkar early and became the villain. Now, fans chant: “Malinga Malinga” whenever the speedster runs in hard for Mumbai Indians.
The interior of the portico is no less than a lounge. With food and beverages and dim lights, it reveals the personal side of the Master Blaster – a foodie and a family man.
(Photo: DC)
Tendulkar reportedly visits his plonk often.
Pradip Ghosh, working in the food stall, said: “He comes here at times. It is a good feeling to see one of the best international cricketers move around you and when you are working inside a stand named after him.”
Tendulkar may never return to cricket, but he will forever stand tall embracing sixes from upcoming cricketers.
