Last Updated:
Sunil Gavaskar’s statue was unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium, honoring his legacy in Indian cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar’s statue at the Wankhede Stadium. (PC: X)
Sunil Gavaskar was ‘at a loss for words’ after his statue was unveiled at the inauguration of the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at Wankhede Stadium. The statue, revealed alongside former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar, marks the museum’s opening to the public on September 22.
Gavaskar, widely regarded as one of the greatest opening batters in cricket history, scored 10,122 runs in 125 Tests at an average of 51.12, becoming the first player to cross 10,000 runs in the format. He made 34 Test centuries, a record at the time, while also captaining the team for a significant period.
“I am actually at a loss for words because I am overwhelmed by this unique honour. It doesn’t happen to everybody that there is a statue just outside the museum where there is going to be so much more footfall,” Gavaskar told the media.
He reflected on his journey with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), comparing it to a nurturing mother that supported him from his early days in school cricket and throughout his career. Gavaskar’s statue commemorates his milestone as the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, achieved during the 1987 Ahmedabad Test against Pakistan.
“It took me back to that particular time when that ball was bowled and I got to the 10,000th run so yes, it brought back very good memories,” Gavaskar said when asked about the statue.
He dedicated this honour to all those he played cricket with, acknowledging that without their support, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik shared that Gavaskar had recounted his favourite moments in Indian cricket, highlighting this as a significant moment for both Gavaskar and Indian cricket. The museum will feature Gavaskar’s caps from Mumbai and Dadar Union Sports Club.
“Dadar Union taught me so much about the fact that the game is bigger than the individual, (and) that, you do not take the game for granted, (and) that you have to keep on giving back to the game,” he said.
Recalling a memorable moment, Gavaskar mentioned wearing his Dadar Union cap instead of the India cap during the 1981 Melbourne Test, where India defeated Australia, attributing the cap’s luck to the victory.
Gavaskar expressed that his heart remains with Indian cricket, getting emotional over the team’s wins and losses. He shared a moment with Cheteshwar Pujara during the recent England tour, feeling deeply connected to the team despite not being in the dressing room.
“Mumbai cricket has always been the beacon for the other associations,” he said, noting that other associations often follow Mumbai’s standards, which benefits Indian cricket overall.
Gavaskar praised the levelling up of standards across associations as fantastic news for Indian cricket, while acknowledging Mumbai’s continued success in reaching semifinals and finals.
Read More
