Wankhede stand to be named after Ravi Shastri as MCA honours legends

Mumbai: The Mumbai Cricket Association on Friday decided to name a stand at the Wankhede Stadium after former India all-rounder-turned-commentator and ex-Team India head coach Ravi Shastri. In an Apex Council meeting on the day, the MCA also decided to name three gates in the stadium after former India women's team captain Diana Edulji (Gate No 5) and late former India cricketing greats Dilip Sardesai (Gate No 3) and Eknath Solkar (Gate No 6), who were the heroes of some of India's greatest Test series triumphs in the 70s.

The gates named after Edulji and Solkar are the entry points to the Wankhede from the railway bridges used by spectators during international and IPL matches at the venue. "The Apex Council approved a proposal to name Level 1 Stand below the Press Box at the iconic Wankhede Stadium after former India Captain and renowned commentator Ravi Shastri, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket, both as a player and as a coach," the MCA stated. Shastri played 80 Tests and 150 ODIs for India, scoring 6,938 runs, including 15 hundreds, besides picking up 280 wickets in international cricket. The left-arm spinner was part of India's World Cup triumph in 1983 and the 1985 Champions of Champions triumph. Post his retirement, Shastri took over commentary duties and was the crisis man for the BCCI in terms of the senior national men's team. He was roped in by the BCCI as the team director in 2014-15 and then became the side's head coach. He enjoyed a second stint as India's head coach from 2017-21. Shastri enjoyed a successful working relationship with former India captain Virat Kohli, as the two icons went on to shape India into one of the better travelling Test teams.

Shastri was honoured with the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards 2024 in Hyderabad. As a TV commentator, Shastri has been one of the most sought-after men behind the microphone and was famously on air when MS Dhoni hit the winning six in the 2011 World Cup final. In June last year, former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi had urged the MCA to name something at the Wankhede Stadium after Shastri, considering his significant contribution to the game. Edulji took 109 wickets in 54 internationals (20 Women's Tests and 34 WODIs) with her left-arm spin. The 69-year-old was a member of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) running the BCCI in 2018-19 and took plenty of steps to promote women’s cricket and improve facilities for the Indian women’s cricket team during her stint as an administrator. "I would like to thank MCA president (Ajinkya Naik) and the Apex Committee for naming Gate No 5 after me.

It's a double honour for me as naming the bridge after me not only recognises my cricket but also my contribution to Railway Sports," Edulji said. Solkar was famous for his acrobatic fielding at short leg. Often regarded as Indian cricket's 'Renaissance Man', Sardesai was instrumental in India's historic win on their 1971 West Indies tour, scoring 642 runs, including three centuries and a top score of 212. A former batting great, Sardesai scored 54 and 40 in India's Oval Test win against West Indies in 1971.

Sardesai's celebrated career spanned 30 Tests, in which he scored 2,001 runs at an average of 39.23, including five centuries and nine fifties.

He was the first Indian batsman to score a double hundred at the Brabourne Stadium — he scored 200 not out against New Zealand in the 1965-66 Test, helping India draw the match after they were following on. MCA president Ajinkya Naik said: “Mumbai cricket is built on the foundation laid by our stalwarts.

It is our responsibility to honour those who have brought pride to the city and the nation. The proposal to name Level 1 Stand below the Press Box after Ravi Shastri is a tribute to his immense contribution as a player, leader and coach. Similarly, dedicating gates at Wankhede Stadium to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji ensures that every fan who walks into the stadium is reminded of the legends who shaped our glorious cricketing heritage.

These decisions reflect MCA’s commitment to celebrating its past while inspiring future generations.” "These legends have played a pivotal role in strengthening Mumbai’s rich cricketing legacy and have made immense contributions to Indian cricket at the highest level. The initiative aims to permanently commemorate their achievements and inspire future generations of cricketers and fans visiting the stadium. The MCA remains committed to preserving and celebrating its glorious heritage while continuing to build a strong future for the sport," the MCA stated.