In a truly momentous occasion for the cricketing world, legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar received twin honors at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The Master Blaster unveiled his official portrait at the MCC Museum and, for the very first time, rang the historic five-minute bell, signaling the start of play for the third Test match between England and India. The events sparked a wave of joy and nostalgia across social media, with fans and fellow cricketers celebrating the enduring legacy of the ‘Little Master’.
A Portrait Unveiled: Immortalizing a Legend
Sachin Tendulkar’s portrait, a striking larger-than-life image of his head and shoulders, was officially unveiled at the MCC Museum. The artwork, created by British artist Stuart Pearson Wright, is based on a photograph taken at Tendulkar’s Mumbai home 18 years ago. The abstract background of the painting is designed to symbolize Tendulkar’s timelessness, unconfined by any specific era or location.
The portrait now joins an esteemed collection at Lord’s, with Tendulkar becoming the fifth Indian cricketer to be honored with a painting in the MCC’s collections, and the fourth to be painted by Pearson Wright, who previously captured Kapil Dev, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Dilip Vengsarkar. While currently housed in the MCC Museum, the portrait is slated to be moved to the grand walls of the Pavilion later this year.
Expressing his sentiments, Tendulkar reflected on his journey, stating, “It’s a huge honour. 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. That moment sparked my cricketing journey. Today, to have my portrait unveiled at this very place is a feeling that’s hard to put into words. Life has truly come full circle. I’m grateful, and filled with wonderful memories.”
The Iconic Bell: A First for the Master Blaster
Adding another layer of significance to the day, Sachin Tendulkar had the honor of ringing the iconic five-minute bell at Lord’s, a cherished tradition since its inception in 2007. This was surprisingly a first for Tendulkar, despite his numerous visits and unparalleled contributions to the game. The bell, located outside the Bowler’s Bar in the Pavilion, is typically rung by cricketing greats, officials, and sporting legends.
Tendulkar’s presence at the bell-ringing ceremony was particularly poignant, as the ongoing Test series between India and England has been renamed the “Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy,” a fitting tribute to two stalwarts of the game.
