Honoring The Colonel: Dilip Vengsarkar’s Legacy in Bronze

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced plans to erect a life-size statue of Dilip Vengsarkar at Wankhede Stadium. This decision was made during the MCA’s Apex Council meeting on Wednesday, October 8. Vengsarkar, a former Indian cricket captain, has also held the position of vice-president of the association.

“The Council has unanimously agreed to install a life-size statue of Dilip Vengsarkar at Wankhede Stadium in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian and Mumbai cricket,” the MCA stated.

Vengsarkar, aged 69, played in 116 Test matches, scoring 17 centuries, which includes three centuries at Lord’s. He also participated in 129 ODIs and was a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team.

Recently, the association revealed a statue of Sunil Gavaskar within the Wankhede grounds, which already hosts a statue of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

“Honoring Dilip Vengsarkar with a statue at Wankhede is a tribute to one of Mumbai’s greatest cricket icons. Our support for farmers and maidan clubs highlights the MCA’s strong community ties,” said Ajinkya Naik, MCA president.

The MCA also plans to establish academies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to offer high-quality training and facilities to budding cricketers. Additionally, the MCA will supply essential ground equipment to local clubs to enhance grassroots playing conditions.

“We are focused on strengthening our cricketing ecosystem from the grassroots level. Establishing academies across the MMR and supplying ground equipment to local clubs will help nurture future cricketers while ensuring they receive access to first-class facilities,” added MCA secretary Abhay Hadap.