Gavaskar was the first batter to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) unveiled the statue at the entrance of the newly inaugurated MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at the iconic venue.
The first batter to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket, Gavaskar made his Test debut against the West Indies at the Port of Spain in 1971. He went on to make a record 774 runs in his debut series at an average of 154.80 with 4 centuries and 3 half-centuries.
Gavaskar finished his Test career with 10,122 runs from 125 matches at an average of 51.12, including 34 hundreds and a best score of 236*. He also played 108 ODIs, making 3092 runs with one century at an average of 35.13.
Speaking about the special occasion, Gavaskar, in an official statement, said, “I must say I’ve always considered myself a student of cricket history. In our playing days, there were no videos - only books and magazines. We learned from reading, from autobiographies, and from the written word.”
“That’s why seeing this museum makes me genuinely happy. MCA has done a wonderful job, not just for Mumbai cricket but for Indian cricket as a whole. Young players who visit will find inspiration in the stories and history preserved here,” he added.
Sunil Gavaskar was a part of India's iconic 1983 World Cup triumph. He also led India to a famous victory in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket after the side defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the title clash.
Gavaskar also stated that the Sharad Pawar Museum at the Wankhede Stadium will help the future generation to connect with and learn from the sport's glorious past.
“For years, I felt a museum was needed to showcase our rich cricketing heritage, and MCA has brought that vision to life in a commendable way. What makes it even more special is the digital presentation, because while we don’t have old videos, technology now allows us to recreate and present cricket from the days before television,” said Gavaskar.
“This way, future generations can connect with and learn from the game’s glorious past,” he remarked.