From Sachin’s Portrait to Ganguly’s Shirt: Celebrating India’s Cricketing Legacy at Lord’s Museum

Sports News: The Lord's Cricket Ground, established in 1814 in St. John's Wood, London, is not just a stadium—it is a place where the spirit of cricket lives on. Over the years, this historic ground has witnessed countless iconic moments that have shaped the game itself. Inside the same ground stands the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum, a timeless space that keeps the soul of cricket alive.

The MCC Museum was set up in 1953 by the Duke of Edinburgh and is the oldest and only cricket museum in the world. Recently, a portrait of Sachin Tendulkar, one of India’s greatest cricketers, was added to its walls—a proud moment for Indian cricket.

Ganguly’s Shirt: A Memory That Lives On

In 2002, India won the NatWest Series Final, and captain Sourav Ganguly created an unforgettable moment by taking off his shirt and waving it from the Lord’s balcony. That very shirt is now displayed in the museum and still reminds visitors of that emotional victory.

A Collection of Cricket's Treasured Memories

The MCC Museum has a remarkable collection, including:

• Jahangir Khan’s famous “sparrow ball”, which struck and killed a sparrow mid-air in 1936
• The 1983 Prudential World Cup trophy won by India
• WG Grace’s legendary bat
• Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup memorabilia
• MS Dhoni’s gloves from the 2011 World Cup Final
• Virat Kohli’s shoes
• The ball used in the India vs England Test in 1946

The Original Ashes and Rare Artifacts

One of the museum’s most precious items is the original Ashes urn, which was humorously given to England captain Ivo Bligh in 1883. The museum also traces the evolution of cricket bats—from old hockey-shaped bats to the modern Mongoose. Visitors can also see bats used by legends like Bradman, Ranjitsinhji, and WG Grace.

There’s also a copy of Wisden’s 1957 edition, which adds to the museum’s deep connection with the game’s history.

Indian Cricketers Continue to Shine Here

Speaking to Dainik Jagran, MCC Head of Heritage Neil Robinson shared that on the first day of the recent Lord’s Test between India and England, Sachin Tendulkar’s portrait was officially installed. Jasprit Bumrah, who took five wickets in the same Test, has donated his cricket shoes, which will also be added to the museum soon.

Interestingly, the museum already displays the left shoe of South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, used during the World Test Championship. Laughing, Robinson said, “We still don’t know where the right shoe went!”

Why Bumrah Gave Shoes, Not the Ball

When asked why Bumrah donated his shoes instead of the match ball, Robinson explained, “Many bowlers prefer to keep their five-wicket balls as personal memories.”

A Special Bond with India

Robinson added that India shares a long emotional connection with the MCC Museum. Most of the items displayed have been donated voluntarily by players, and the museum is constantly growing. For cricket lovers, the museum is not just about bats and balls — it’s a place to feel the heart of the game, where history speaks to every visitor.