On July 10, 2025, the hallowed grounds of Lord’s Cricket Ground, often revered as the “Home of Cricket,” witnessed a moment that will be etched in the annals of cricketing history. A larger-than-life portrait of the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was unveiled at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum, making him the fifth Indian to be honored with such a distinction. This poignant event, timed just before the third Test match between India and England, was a celebration of Tendulkar’s monumental contributions to the sport and his deep connection with Lord’s, a venue that holds a special place in his heart.
A Full-Circle Moment for the Master Blaster
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “Master Blaster” or the “God of Cricket,” took to social media to express his emotions, describing the unveiling as a moment where “life has truly come full circle.” Reflecting on his journey, he recalled his first visit to Lord’s as a teenager in 1988 and a subsequent trip in 1989 with the Star Cricket Club team. “I remember standing near the Pavilion, soaking in the history and dreaming quietly,” Tendulkar wrote on X. “Today, to have my portrait unveiled at this very place is a feeling that’s hard to put into words.” His heartfelt words resonated with fans worldwide, encapsulating the significance of this honor for a player whose career has inspired generations.
The portrait, painted by renowned artist Stuart Pearson Wright, is a departure from the traditional full-length depictions of previous Indian cricketing legends honored at Lord’s. Unlike the portraits of Kapil Dev, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Dilip Vengsarkar—also painted by Wright—Tendulkar’s portrait is a larger-than-life head-and-shoulders image, crafted in oil on abraded aluminum. The abstract background, as described in an MCC release, symbolizes Tendulkar’s timelessness, unrestricted by any era or specific location. This artistic choice underscores his universal appeal and enduring legacy in the sport.
A Unique Artistic Vision
Stuart Pearson Wright, who has previously immortalized other Indian cricketing icons, explained his approach to 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, so a fresh approach was taken with this one,” he said. “I decided on a composition which focused more on Sachin’s head and also using a heroic larger-than-life scale to give the painting a sense of gravitas and power.” The portrait, based on a photograph taken by Wright at Tendulkar’s home in Mumbai 18 years ago, captures the essence of the cricketer’s gritty determination and drive.
Tendulkar himself was moved by the artwork, commenting during the unveiling, “I spoke to Stuart, who’s the artist, and I said that the portrait literally speaks to you and that they have this gift of being able to convey what they want to through their artwork.” The painting, currently displayed in the MCC Museum, will be relocated to the iconic Pavilion later in 2025, further cementing Tendulkar’s legacy at Lord’s.
A Storied Legacy at Lord’s
The unveiling of Tendulkar’s portrait was not the only honor bestowed upon him on this memorable day. He was also invited to ring the iconic five-minute bell at Lord’s, a tradition reserved for cricketing luminaries to mark the start of play. This act placed him among an elite group of Indian cricketers who have participated in this revered ritual, adding another layer of significance to the occasion. Tendulkar’s involvement in the day’s events, from ringing the bell to unveiling his portrait, underscored his stature as one of cricket’s greatest ambassadors.
Despite his illustrious career, Tendulkar’s record at Lord’s in Test matches is often noted for its one missing accolade: a century on the famous Honours Board. During the unveiling ceremony, MCC President Mark Nicholas playfully remarked, “You didn’t get on the Lord’s Honours Board.” Tendulkar, with his characteristic wit, quickly corrected him, pointing out that he had indeed scored a century at Lord’s—125 runs for the Rest of the World XI against MCC in a 1998 charity match, facing a formidable bowling attack featuring Glenn McGrath, Javagal Srinath, Allan Donald, Brian McMillan, and Anil Kumble. “Somehow it wasn’t meant to happen, but it did happen,” Tendulkar quipped, bringing a light-hearted moment to the ceremony.
The MCC Museum and Its Storied Collection
The MCC Museum, established in the 1950s, is the oldest sporting museum in Europe and houses an extensive collection of approximately 3,000 artworks, nearly 300 of which are portraits. The Long Room Gallery, part of the museum, is considered one of the most iconic gallery spaces in sport. Tendulkar’s portrait joins those of other Indian cricketing legends—Kapil Dev, Bishan Singh Bedi, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Sourav Ganguly—making him the fifth Indian to be honored in this prestigious collection. Charlotte Goodhew, MCC Collections and Programmes Manager, expressed pride in adding Tendulkar to the roster, noting, “Sachin is one of the game’s greatest players and an icon in India, so it is so exciting to unveil the portrait in the MCC Museum during the men’s Test match between England and India.”
The Lord’s Portrait Programme, which has been running in its current form for three decades, is a testament to the MCC’s commitment to preserving cricket’s rich heritage. The museum’s collection, which began in the Victorian era, includes artifacts and artworks that chronicle the sport’s evolution, making it a fitting home for Tendulkar’s portrait.
Tendulkar’s Cricketing Legacy
Sachin Tendulkar’s career, spanning from 1989 to 2013, is a saga of unparalleled excellence. Over 24 years, he amassed 34,357 runs across Test matches, One-Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals, a record that surpasses the next highest batter, Kumar Sangakkara, by over 6,000 runs. His 100 international centuries and countless records have made him a global icon, revered not just in India but across the cricketing world. While he may not have scored a Test century at Lord’s, his 195 runs across five Test matches at the venue and his monumental contributions elsewhere ensure his legacy transcends any single statistic.
Tendulkar’s connection to Lord’s extends beyond his playing career. His early visits to the ground as a teenager, his memories of the 1983 World Cup victory, and now the unveiling of his portrait all weave a narrative of a lifelong bond with the Home of Cricket. “In 1983, when India won the World Cup, it was my first introduction to Lord’s. Today, with my portrait going up inside the Pavilion, it feels like it’s come full circle,” he said, encapsulating the emotional weight of the moment.
A Celebration of Cricketing Greatness
The unveiling of Tendulkar’s portrait was a moment of pride not only for the cricketer but also for India and cricket fans worldwide. Social media platforms buzzed with images and videos of the event, shared by the likes of the BCCI, Lord’s Cricket Ground, and Tendulkar himself. Fans celebrated the honor, with many noting the fitting tribute to a player who has inspired millions. The portrait, with its focus on Tendulkar’s expressive face, captures the essence of a man whose passion for cricket has left an indelible mark on the sport.
As the third Test match between India and England unfolded, the unveiling served as a reminder of cricket’s ability to unite and inspire. Tendulkar’s presence at Lord’s, both in person and through his portrait, added a layer of nostalgia and reverence to the occasion. For a player who has achieved nearly every accolade possible, this honor at Lord’s stands out as a testament to his enduring impact on the game.
Looking Ahead
The portrait will remain on display at the MCC Museum until the end of 2025, allowing thousands of cricket fans to view it during the ongoing Test series and beyond. Its eventual relocation to the Pavilion, a space synonymous with cricketing history, will ensure that Tendulkar’s legacy continues to inspire future generations. As Charlotte Goodhew aptly stated, “We are very proud to continue to build on our portrait collection at Lord’s, and it is wonderful to add such a transcendental figure as Sachin Tendulkar.”
In a career defined by records, resilience, and reverence, Sachin Tendulkar’s portrait at Lord’s is more than just an artwork—it is a celebration of a cricketing god whose journey has come full circle at the Home of Cricket.
