Sachin Tendulkar, revered as one of cricket’s greatest icons, has added another feather to his illustrious cap. On the eve of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s, Tendulkar became the fifth Indian cricketer to have his portrait unveiled at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum. This honour places him among an elite group of Indian legends, symbolizing not only personal achievement but also the enduring bond between Indian cricket and the hallowed grounds of Lord’s. The portrait, painted by acclaimed artist Stuart Pearson Wright, is set to remain at the MCC Museum before moving to the Pavilion, further cementing Tendulkar’s legacy in the annals of cricket history.
The story behind Sachin Tendulkar’s portrait
Unlike previous full-length portraits of Indian cricketing greats at the MCC, Tendulkar’s is a striking, larger-than-life depiction of his head and shoulders. Painted by Wright, who also created the portraits of Kapil Dev, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Dilip Vengsarkar, this artwork draws from a photograph taken 18 years ago in Tendulkar’s Mumbai home. The abstract background was chosen to reflect Tendulkar’s timelessness, suggesting that his influence transcends eras and generations.
The MCC’s Lord’s Portrait Programme, now in its third decade, has been instrumental in celebrating cricket’s most significant contributors. The museum itself, established in the 1950s, holds the distinction of being Europe’s oldest sporting museum, and its Long Room Gallery is revered as one of the most iconic spaces in the sporting world. Tendulkar’s inclusion alongside Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Kapil, Bedi, and Vengsarkar is a testament to his extraordinary impact on the sport and his country.
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Tendulkar reflects on his journey
For Tendulkar, the unveiling of his portrait at Lord’s is more than just an accolade—it is a deeply personal milestone. Recalling his earliest memories of the ground, he said, “In 1983, when India won the World Cup, it was my first introduction to Lord’s. I saw our captain, Kapil Dev, lift the trophy. That moment sparked my cricketing journey.”
Decades later, with his own portrait gracing the Pavilion, Tendulkar described the honor as “truly special,” remarking that “life feels like it’s come full circle.”
Over a career spanning 24 years, Tendulkar amassed 34,357 runs across formats, inspiring generations of cricketers and fans alike. His portrait’s presence at Lord’s not only celebrates his achievements but also serves as a beacon for aspiring players worldwide.
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