A life-size statue of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday evening, immortalising the cricket legend. The statue was revealed as the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) inaugurated the Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum. Visitors entering the grand entrance will be greeted by the life-size statues of both Gavaskar and Sharad Pawar. As one of the greatest batters in Indian cricket history, the statue stands as a testament to Gavaskar's lasting legacy.
Sunil Gavaskar's life-size statue unveiled at Wankhede
The new statue follows the unveiling of a grand statue of Sachin Tendulkar in 2023, which took place during the ODI World Cup. Gavaskar himself was a key member of India's iconic 1983 World Cup-winning team and went on to lead the side to a famous victory in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket, where they defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the final.
The 76-year-old was left speechless when asked about the honour.
“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. The Mumbai Cricket Association, I've said in the past, is like my mother, (it) held my hand when I was beginning with cricket at the school's level, playing for Bombay schools,” Gavaskar told the media.
"Thereafter as well, for Ranji Trophy etc. It's been absolutely just a privilege and an honour and a blessing to be able to play for Mumbai and I never ever dreamt that it would come to this.” Gavaskar's statute celebrates him becoming the first-ever player in Test history to score 10,000 runs, which he completed during the Ahmedabad Test against Pakistan in March 1987.
"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. This is an honour for all those with whom I played cricket in my Bhagirathi (Bai) building (during childhood in Mumbai's Tardeo), then at the school level, at the club (level), in the Ranji Trophy team and in Test cricket,” Gavaskar said during his speech when asked about the statue.
Gavaskar, who made his Test debut in 1971, is widely considered one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time. His game was built on a flawless defense, allowing him to bat for hours without losing focus. He famously faced some of the most fearsome bowlers in cricket history, including the legendary West Indies pace quartet of Andy Roberts and Michael Holding. In addition to his battles with the West Indies, Gavaskar was also known for his captivating duels with other legends like Richie Benaud, Richard Hadlee, Imran Khan, and Ian Botham. Throughout his career, 'The Little Master' played in 125 Tests and 108 One-Day Internationals for India, amassing over 13,000 runs across both formats. A true pioneer, he was the first player in the sport to reach 10,000 Test runs, a milestone he achieved against Pakistan in Ahmedabad in 1987.