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Dilip Vengsarkar donated his Test sweater and blazer to the Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum, celebrating Mumbai’s cricket legacy. He wore the sweater during the 1986 Lord’s Test.
Former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar (PTI)
Dilip Vengsarkar, former India captain and one of the country’s finest batters, has shown a special gesture to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) by donating his Test sweater and blazer to the soon-to-be-inaugurated Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum.
The museum, dedicated to celebrating Mumbai’s glorious cricketing legacy, is set to be inaugurated on Saturday, August 23.
The sweater holds immense historical significance as Vengsarkar wore it during the famous Lord’s Test in June 1986, where he scored an unbeaten 126 runs against England. His innings laid the foundation for India’s five-wicket victory under Kapil Dev’s captaincy, a match still remembered as one of Indian cricket’s most iconic overseas wins.
What Did Dilip Vengsarkar Say?
Speaking to Mid-Day, Vengsarkar explained his decision to donate the memorabilia. He shared, “I have given MCA the sweater I wore during the 1986 Lord’s Test. I had worn it throughout the England tour. I have also given my India blazer, but I don’t remember exactly in which series I used that blazer. In the future as well, I will give my bats and other gear to the museum.”
Vengsarkar, who represented India from the mid-1970s until 1992, expressed his deep bond with MCA.
“Right from the age of 12 when I played Giles Shield till I retired [from international cricket] in 1992, I played all MCA matches, so Mumbai Cricket Association means everything to me. And right from the beginning, every official has supported me hugely, whether it is school, college, university, office, club cricket or while playing for Mumbai and India. And we played for Mumbai with a lot of pride. Whatever I’ve learnt is because of Mumbai cricket,” he added.
The 69-year-old veteran, who accumulated 6,868 Test runs and 3,508 ODI runs for India, has previously donated memorabilia, including a helmet and blazer, to the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association’s museum in Indore.
Vengsarkar believes such contributions inspire young cricketers. “When people see an international cricketer’s bats, gloves, pads, sweaters, or a fast bowler’s shoes, etc, they will surely be motivated to work hard,” said Vengsarkar.
The 1986 Lord’s Test remains memorable not just for Vengsarkar’s century but also for Kapil Dev’s all-round brilliance. The Indian captain claimed four wickets in the second innings and then sealed the chase of 134 with a blistering 23 not out off just 10 balls, hitting four fours and a six. India went on to win the series 2-0, having also triumphed at Headingley.
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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