Sachin Tendulkar statue mocked around cricket world over bizarre Steve Smith detail

A statue of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar at Wankhede Stadium in India is going viral for all the wrong reasons, with many pointing out that it looks more like Steve Smith. The Mumbai Cricket Association unveiled the new statue ahead of India's clash with Sri Lanka at the World Cup in honour of hometown hero Tendulkar.

The 50-year-old, who scored over 24,000 runs at international level with exactly 100 centuries, enjoyed some famous moment at Wankhede Stadium. He won the only World Cup trophy of his career at the ground in 2011, and played his final Test match there in 2013. He also played 78 games for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL at the end of his career.

HUGE NEWS: Teammate's revelation about Mitch Marsh amid family detail

NOT HAPPY: Marcus Stoinis comment sparks backlash amid World Cup drama

But the unveiling of the statue raised many an eyebrow on Thursday, with hoards of cricket fans pointing out its bizarre resemblance to Aussie star Smith. One person pointed out that Tendulkar and Smith looked somewhat similar when they were younger, but the majority couldn't see a resemblance to the Indian legend at all.

Tendulkar wrote on social media on Thursday: “To think that I first stepped foot in Wankhede as a fan, then went on to be the ball boy in the ‘87 World Cup, lifted the 2011 World Cup, and played my last international game here – it is a journey words can’t capture. This statue isn’t just mine. It is a dedication to every non-striker, my cricket heroes, every teammate, every colleague, who stood by my side, for without them, this journey wouldn’t have been possible. Wankhede, and cricket, you’ve been very kind.”

Virat Kohli falls short of Sachin Tendulkar record

Virat Kohli led India to a crushing 302-run win over Sri Lanka, but fell just short of equalling Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries. The former India captain was dropped on 10 before going on to make 88 - leaving him one behind Tendulkar on 48 tons in one-day internationals.

Kohli and Shubman Gill bith hit commanding 50s and combined for a second-wicket partnership of 189 to help the hosts post 8-357. Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj then destroyed the Sri Lankan order, who were dismissed for just 55 - the lowest World Cup total ever by a Test-playing nation.

It marked India's seventh win on the trot and sealed their place in the semi-finals, while all-but ending Sri Lanka's hopes of advancing. Shami finished with 5-18 while Siraj took 3-16 as Sri Lanka were bundled out for their lowest total in a 50-over World Cup.

"We're very happy knowing we have officially qualified," India captain Rohit Sharma said. "It's been a good effort from the entire squad, it has been clinical, we've wanted individuals to put their hands up."

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis said: "I'm very disappointed. We had reasons for wanting to bowl first, the wicket was a bit slow. Unfortunately, there was then a little bit of seam and swing which made it difficult to play at night."

Lowest totals in Cricket World Cup history:

36 - Canada v Sri Lanka, Paarl, 2003

45 - Canada v England, Manchester, 1979

45 - Namibia v Australia, Potchefstroom, 2003

55 - Sri Lanka v India, Mumbai, 2023

58 - Bangladesh v West Indies, Mirpur, 2011

68 - Scotland v West Indies, Leicester, 1999

69 - Kenya v New Zealand, Chennai, 2011

with agencies

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.