Sachin Tendulkar, a cricket legend and one of India’s greatest batters, has become the fifth Indian to have his portrait featured at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) museum, commemorating his illustrious career and contributions to the sport.
Sachin Tendulkar’s portrait was unveiled at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) museum just ahead of the third Test match against England at Lord’s, further cementing his legacy in the world of cricket. This milestone makes Tendulkar the fifth Indian cricketer to have this honor, joining the esteemed ranks of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Kapil Dev, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Dilip Vengsarkar.
Renowned artist Stuart Pearson Wright crafted the portrait, which will remain in the MCC Museum before moving to the Pavilion later this year. Set against an abstract background symbolizing Tendulkar’s timeless influence, the artwork captures an image taken 18 years ago in Tendulkar’s Mumbai residence. Unlike previous full-length portraits of Indian cricketers, this piece highlights Tendulkar’s head and shoulders at a heroic scale, embodying gravitas and power.
Tendulkar expressed profound gratitude, stating, “This is truly special. It’s a huge honor. 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.” He noted that the moment was pivotal in his cricketing journey, making the experience of having his portrait displayed at Lord’s particularly meaningful. Reflecting on his career, Tendulkar mentioned how this achievement made him smile and felt like life had come full circle.
Pearson Wright’s artistic collaboration with the MCC introduced a fresh perspective for Tendulkar’s portrait. “It was clear that MCC didn’t want this portrait to be in the same format as the previous Indian cricket portraits I made. A fresh approach was taken with this one,” said Wright, emphasizing the unique composition focused on Tendulkar’s countenance.
Additionally, Tendulkar had the honor of ringing the iconic Lord’s bell to signal the start of the third Test match against England, marking the first time he performed this ceremonial role. This event further embellished Tendulkar’s storied career, as the series itself is now named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in recognition of both his achievements and contributions to the game.
The Lord’s Portrait Programme has been a significant tradition for three decades, with MCC’s art and artifact collection dating back to the Victorian era and the museum opening in the 1950s as Europe’s oldest sporting museum. The Long Room Gallery remains one of the most venerable galleries in the world of sport.
According to World Malayalee Voice, holding a portrait at this historic venue carries a special significance, celebrating Tendulkar’s indelible impact on cricket for future generations to admire.
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