A new stand honouring former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri was unveiled at Wankhede Stadium on February 1, 2025. This event marks a celebration of Shastri’s contributions to Indian cricket, alongside other prominent figures recognised during the ceremony. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) took this opportunity not only to honour Shastri but also to pay tribute to other cricketing icons such as Diana Edulji, Eknath Solkar, and Dilip Sardesai.

The unveiling ceremony attracted a notable gathering, including cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar and current T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav. The presence of these legends underlined the significance of the occasion, highlighting the contributions of those who have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.

In addition to the Ravi Shastri Stand, the MCA dedicated various gates at the stadium in honour of Diana Edulji, Eknath Solkar, and Dilip Sardesai. This move was part of a larger initiative by the MCA to acknowledge the achievements of its distinguished players and ensure their legacies are remembered.

Shastri Reflects on His Journey

During his speech at the unveiling, Ravi Shastri expressed deep emotions, especially regarding the absence of his late father. He conveyed gratitude for the presence of family members, including his wife and daughter, admitting that his daughter had never witnessed his playing career. Shastri remarked, “Only one disappointment—my father. He was my hero, and he is not present here today.”

He reminisced about his father’s unwavering support throughout his career, mentioning how he used to watch every match from the Garware Pavilion end. Shastri mentioned that he believed his father would be proud of this recognition, remarking, “He is upstairs—he will be proud that this has happened.”

Shastri highlighted a significant moment from his career at Wankhede, recalling a memorable shot against Australia. He stated, “There is one shot of mine at this Wankhede Stadium—you’ve hit sixes galore over a span of years—but that one was against Australia. I hit Bruce Reid on top of what is now the Ravi Shastri Stand. That is my favourite.”

Edulji and Other Legends Honoured

Diana Edulji, a trailblazer for women’s cricket in India, also expressed her emotional response to the honour. She remarked on the importance of the recognition, stating that it was “a big honour for me and for all women cricketers.” Edulji described the day as “a dream come true” and added, “It is a red-letter day for me. I will never forget this day in my life.”

Edulji’s impressive cricket career includes 20 Test matches and 34 One Day Internationals for India. Her contributions have paved the way for future generations of female cricketers in the country, and the MCA’s recognition reflects the growing acceptance of women in sports.

The families of Eknath Solkar and Dilip Sardesai, both of whom have passed away, were present at the ceremony to receive accolades on behalf of their late relatives. This emotional moment underscored the significance of the occasion and the deep respect within the cricketing community for its historical figures.

Overall, the event was not only a celebration of individual achievements but also a testament to the MCA’s commitment to honouring the rich legacy of cricket in India.

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