Sachin Tendulkar became the fifth Indian cricketer to have his portrait displayed in the MCC Museum. On the first day of the third Test match between England and India at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, a portrait of the legendary Indian batsman was unveiled at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum, just before play began.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, Sachin Tendulkar scored a remarkable 34,357 runs across Tests, One-Day Internationals, and a lone T20 International for India during his illustrious 24-year international career from 1989 to 2013.
This tribute to the Master Blaster is a fitting honor. Although he never scored a Test century at Lord’s, Sachin Tendulkar legacy now finds a permanent place among cricketing legends.
The portrait, created by artist Stuart Pearson Wright, will remain in the MCC Museum until the end of the 2025 season, after which it will be moved to the Pavilion.
Wright explained the creative process behind the portrait: “The MCC wanted a different approach than the previous Indian cricket portraits I painted. I chose a composition that emphasized Sachin’s head and used a heroic, larger-than-life scale to give the painting gravitas and power.
I often paint portraits against abstract backgrounds, usually a plain color, rather than depicting an interior or exterior scene. This approach helps focus attention on the subject’s features and removes any contextual elements that might define or limit the subject.”
“It’s a tremendous honor” – Sachin Tendulkar on his portrait at the MCC Museum
His portrait is the fifth of an Indian cricketer to be included in the MCC’s collection. Artist Pearson Wright previously painted portraits of Kapil Dev, Bishan Bedi, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Sachin Tendulkar himself. Unlike the earlier full-length portraits, Sachin Tendulkar is a larger-than-life depiction focusing on his head and shoulders.
Speaking to the MCC, Sachin Tendulkar said, “It’s a tremendous honor. My first experience of Lord’s was in 1983, when India won the World Cup and I saw our captain Kapil Dev lift the trophy. That moment marked the beginning of my cricket journey. Now, to have my portrait displayed inside the Pavilion — it’s been quite a journey. Looking back, it brings a smile to my face. I feel like I’ve come full circle, and that makes it truly special.”
“I first came to Lord’s as a teenager in 1988 and returned in 1989 playing for the Star Cricket Club. I remember standing near the pavilion, absorbing the rich history and quietly dreaming. Today, having my portrait unveiled in this very place is an indescribable feeling. Life has truly come full circle. I’m deeply grateful and filled with cherished memories.”
