Wankhede Stadium Honors Ravi Shastri with Stand Naming

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-02-28

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) just made a big announcement. They're naming a stand at the iconic Wankhede Stadium after Ravi Shastri, the former India cricketer and head coach. The decision came from their Apex Council meeting on Friday, February 27th. It's not just about Shastri, though. The MCA is also naming three stadium gates after other cricket legends. This move honors the people who've shaped the game in India across generations. It's a way to connect the stadium's physical space to its rich history. ### Why Ravi Shastri Deserves This Honor Shastri's connection to Mumbai cricket runs deep. He started on the domestic circuit here before playing for India in 80 Tests and 150 ODIs. His playing days in the 80s and early 90s saw him as a reliable left-arm spinner and a handy lower-order batsman. But his story didn't end there. He came back as head coach from 2017 to 2021. Those four years were huge for Indian cricket abroad. Think about it – India won a Test series in Australia in 2018-19 for the first time ever. Then they did it again in 2020-21, even with key players injured. The team also reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup in England. Sure, there were tough moments. The 2021 T20 World Cup exit in the UAE was a low point. But those back-to-back wins in Australia? That's the stuff legends are made of. MCA president Ajinkya Naik put it perfectly. He said this honor recognizes Shastri's contributions as a player, a leader, and a coach. "Mumbai cricket is built on the foundation laid by our stalwarts," Naik explained. "It's our responsibility to honor those who've brought pride to the city and the nation." ### Three Gates, Three Unique Legacies The gate namings tell a broader story about Indian cricket. Each name represents something special. - **Dilip Sardesai**: His name is tied to a defining moment. In 1971, he scored 642 runs during India's tour of the West Indies – a series India won for the first time. That tour was a turning point, proving India could compete and win abroad. - **Eknath Solkar**: His reputation was all about fielding. He was considered one of the best catchers of his time, especially at short leg. That position takes real courage and sharp reflexes. His work often didn't show up on the scorecard, but it absolutely shaped match outcomes. - **Diana Edulji**: She's a pioneer for women's cricket in India, having captained the national side in 22 international matches. At a time when women's cricket got little attention or support, she kept the game alive. Including her is a nod to a part of Indian cricket history that's often been overlooked. Naik described these gate namings as a way to keep these legacies visible. "Every fan who walks into the stadium is reminded of the legends who shaped our glorious cricketing heritage," he said. ### A Stadium Steeped in History Wankhede Stadium itself has quite the story. Built in 1974, it's hosted some of India's most important matches. Remember the 2011 ODI World Cup final? India won that right here on home soil. Naming stands and gates after players is how the ground ties its physical space to the people who made Indian cricket what it is today. For Shastri, this honor comes from the city where his career began. It's a full-circle moment for a man who's given so much to the sport. These namings aren't just about the past, either. They're a reminder for every fan who walks through those gates or sits in that stand. They're walking in the footsteps of giants, literally and figuratively. It makes you think about how sports history is preserved. We remember stats and scores, but places like this make it tangible. You can point to a seat or a gate and say, "That's for someone who changed the game." It connects generations of fans to the stories that built their passion. That's pretty powerful when you stop and think about it.