Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was overwhelmed and at a loss for words as his life-size statue was unveiled at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. The occasion recorded the inauguration of the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum, with the statue of the former India captain unveiled alongside that of former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar. The museum will open to the public on September 22.
Regarded as one of the greatest opening batters in cricket history, Gavaskar became the first player in history to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, a milestone he achieved against Pakistan in Ahmedabad in 1987. Gavaskar expressed his emotions after seeing his life-size statue and dedicated the honour to his career with Mumbai cricket.
The museum will also display two of Gavaskar's prized caps, one from Mumbai and the other from Dadar Union Sports Club, the latter holding a special place in his heart. He recalled wearing that very cap during India's famous 1981 Test victory over Australia in Melbourne when Kapil Dev bowled through pain to secure a remarkable win.