At a loss for words: Sunil Gavaskar after statue unveiled at MCA museum

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was visibly moved and "at a loss for words" after his statue was unveiled on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium during the inauguration of the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum.

The bronze statue of the former Indian captain now stands proudly outside the museum - a tribute not only to his staggering achievements in cricket but also to his enduring legacy in the sport. The unveiling took place in the presence of Sharad Pawar, former president of both the BCCI and the ICC. The museum is scheduled to open to the general public on 22 September.

"I am actually at a loss for words because I am overwhelmed by this unique honour," said Gavaskar, speaking to the media. "It doesn't happen to everybody - a statue just outside the museum where there is going to be so much more footfall."

Reflecting on his early cricketing days, Gavaskar likened the Mumbai Cricket Association to a maternal figure. "The Mumbai Cricket Association, I've said in the past, is like my mother. It held my hand when I was beginning with cricket at the school level, playing for Bombay schools. Thereafter as well - for Ranji Trophy and beyond. It's been an absolute privilege and a blessing to play for Mumbai. I never ever dreamt that it would come to this."

The statue commemorates Gavaskar's historic achievement of becoming the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket - a milestone he reached during the Ahmedabad Test against Pakistan in March 1987.

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

In a heartfelt speech, he dedicated the honour to his teammates from all stages of his cricketing journey - from playing in the compound of his childhood building in Tardeo, through school and club cricket, to the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Test team.

"Had I not played cricket with them all, this statue wouldn't have been possible. I would not have reached here without the support I got from so many players in the dressing room."

MCA president Ajinkya Naik shared insight into the personal nature of the tribute. "I asked him about his favourite moments in Indian cricket. He shared a few pictures with me. I think this was the best moment for him, as well as for Mumbai and Indian cricket."

The museum will also showcase two of Gavaskar's treasured caps - one from Mumbai and the other from the Dadar Union Sports Club. Speaking about the latter, Gavaskar said, "Dadar Union taught me that the game is bigger than the individual, that you do not take the game for granted, and that you have to keep giving back."

He fondly recalled wearing that cap during a famous Test win in Melbourne in 1981. "Kapil (Dev) came in and took five wickets despite being unwell. It was a touch-and-go situation. I'm superstitious - I wore my Dadar Union cap that day, not the India cap, because I felt it was lucky."

"My Heart Is Still in That Indian Dressing Room"

Despite retiring from international cricket nearly four decades ago, Gavaskar said he remains emotionally tied to the fortunes of Indian cricket.

"Every time India wins, it's an emotional time," he admitted. "I was discussing with Cheteshwar (Pujara) during one of the last days of the Oval Test that it is very difficult to get detached from the team. You might not be in that changing room, but your heart is still there. Your feelings are there. And the emotion comes out - both when India wins and when India doesn't do well."

He praised the MCA for continuing to be a model for cricket associations across the country. "Mumbai cricket has always been the beacon. Many things Mumbai does are followed by other associations. The standard has levelled up considerably, which is fantastic news for Indian cricket. But still, Mumbai keeps on winning, keeps getting to the semifinals and finals."