"Blessed to get this honour" - Sunil Gavaskar on his statue being installed at MCA museum

Sunil Gavaskar played domestic cricket for Mumbai and played 125 tests and 108 ODIs for India.

Legendary India and Mumbai batter Sunil Gavaskar was over the moon when his statue was unveiled at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) museum in the Wankhede Stadium.

The former Indian captain’s bronze statue, which honours both his remarkable cricket accomplishments and his lasting influence in the game, is currently displayed with pride outside the museum.

Sharad Pawar, the former president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI), was present for the unveiling. On September 22, the museum is expected to open to the public.

The statue honours Gavaskar’s historic accomplishment of becoming the first player to hit 10,000 runs in test cricket, which he accomplished against Pakistan in the March 1987 test match in Ahmedabad.

“It took me back to that particular time when that ball was bowled and I got to the 10,000th run. Yes, it brought back very good memories,” Gavaskar said at the occasion.

“I am actually at a loss for words because I am overwhelmed by this unique honor. It doesn’t happen to everybody—a statue just outside the museum where there is going to be so much more footfall,” he added.

Sunil Gavaskar played 125 tests for India from 1971 to 1987 and scored 10122 runs with 34 centuries and a best score of 236 runs. He also played over 100 ODIs, scoring 3092 runs with one century and 27 fifties.

“Most thankful to the fans” – Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar also played 348 First-Class matches, scoring 25384 runs with 81 centuries and a best of 340. He captained India in tests as well and was part of India’s 1983 World Cup. He famously led India to the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia.

“Blessed to get this honor by the Mumbai Cricket Association. It’s a recognition also of all those who played with me from Bhagirthi Building tennis ball cricket days to international cricket. Most thankful to the fans too for their continued support,” Gavaskar posted on Instagram.

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The museum will also showcase two of Gavaskar’s treasured caps—one from Mumbai and the other from the Dadar Union Sports Club.

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