From Legend to Immortal: Sunil Gavaskar’s Lasting Legacy Honoured at MCA Museum

Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s most iconic cricket legends, is set to receive a fitting tribute at the renowned Wankhede Stadium. Known affectionately as the ‘Little Master,’ Sunil Gavaskar revolutionised Indian batting with his impeccable technique and unwavering composure, becoming the first player to score over 10,000 Test runs - a milestone that remained unmatched for decades. His prowess against some of the fiercest bowling attacks of his era, especially the formidable West Indies pace quartet, established him as a cricketing icon worldwide. He is also regarded as one of the greatest Test players of all time.

To reflect on his magnificent career, a life-sized Sunil Gavaskar statue was installed in the newly inaugurated Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum. This remarkable honour, announced on August 1, 2025, celebrates Gavaskar’s monumental contributions to Indian cricket and cements his legacy as a true pioneer of the game.

Sunil Gavaskar Statue to be Unveiled at New MCA Museum

The MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum aims to preserve and showcase the rich heritage of Mumbai, a city that has produced some of the greatest names in international cricket. Positioned prominently at the museum’s entrance, Gavaskar’s life-size sculpture stands alongside the Sharad Pawar statue, reflecting their enduring impact on cricket both on and off the field.
Expressing his appreciation for this honour, Gavaskar said, “I am deeply touched and tremendously honoured that the Mumbai Cricket Association has chosen to commemorate me with a statue at the entrance of the new Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at Wankhede Stadium."

MCA president Ajinkya Naik highlighted that the museum and these statues serve as “a living chronicle of Mumbai cricket’s unparalleled legacy,” preserving the city’s storied cricket history and inspiring young players and fans. The museum itself features rare memorabilia generously donated by Mumbai cricketers, along with immersive exhibits and audio-visual displays that capture the thrilling moments and achievements of Indian cricket over the decades.

This prestigious unveiling reflects not only the respect and admiration for Gavaskar’s legendary career but also the MCA’s commitment to celebrating cricket’s rich past while motivating the next generation. Through this lasting tribute, the legacy of Sunil Gavaskar, whose grit and grace shaped Indian cricket’s golden era, will continue to inspire for generations to come.
This tribute is very fitting for one of the first great Indian batsmen. He was the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket and ended his career with 34 Test centuries. Despite being one of the shortest Indian cricketers in the game, Gavaskar's achievements set important records and inspired many generations of cricketers.

MCA to Also Unveil Sharad Pawar Statue

Alongside the Sunil Gavaskar statue, the MCA will also unveil a statue of Sharad Pawar, a top cricket administrator who played a pivotal role as the head of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the International Cricket Council (ICC). Pawar’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in elevating Indian cricket on the global stage.
Sharad Pawar, current chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has played a vital role in cricket administration. He has served as president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at Wankhede Stadium, named in his honour, celebrates his long-standing dedication and significant contributions to the sport. This museum serves as a lasting tribute to Pawar’s leadership and vision, reflecting his instrumental role in shaping Indian and international cricket over the years.