MCA to name a stand after Ravi Shastri at Wankhede Stadium
Ravi Shastri, Bombay boy and a true voice of Indian cricket, is about to have a permanent piece of the Wankhede named after him. And honestly, about time too! The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to honour Shastri by naming a stand after him at the iconic stadium. It's a fitting tribute to a man who's worn many hats – player, captain, coach, and of course, that booming voice we all associate with the biggest moments in the game.
Alongside this, the MCA will also be naming three gates at the Wankhede after Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji. Sardesai, a pioneer who conquered the West Indies with his bat, Solkar, arguably India's finest fielder in the 70s, and Edulji, a legend of women's cricket, thoroughly deserve this recognition. It's fantastic to see the MCA acknowledging contributions across different eras and facets of the game.
But the Shastri stand… that's the one that really grabs the attention, doesn't it? Let's be honest, Ravi evokes strong opinions. Some might point to his tenure as coach and the World Cup trophy that remained elusive. Others will remember the sheer joy he brought to our screens, commentating on those unforgettable moments. But here's the thing: Shastri represents a certain swagger, a fearless approach that Indian cricket was perhaps lacking before he burst onto the scene. Think back to that Audi he won in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket – pure audacity!
What's fascinating is how Shastri's career mirrors the evolution of Indian cricket. From a gritty player who could bowl useful left-arm spin and open the batting, to a shrewd captain, and then a coach who instilled a winning mentality in the team. He was never afraid to back his players, sometimes perhaps a little too vocally, but always with the belief that India could take on the world and win. And under his watch, they did, especially in Test cricket. Those two series wins in Australia? Absolutely monumental.
Now, some might argue that other Mumbai greats are equally deserving. And they probably are. The Wankhede is practically a shrine to Sachin Tendulkar already, and rightly so. Sunil Gavaskar's name is etched in every cricket fan's heart. But Shastri brings something different. He's a modern voice, a link between generations. He understands the pulse of the fans, and he's never been afraid to speak his mind. That commentary box energy, that 'tracer bullet' call – it's all part of the Shastri package.
The numbers tell a story too. While stats aren't everything, Shastri's contribution as a player shouldn't be overlooked. Over 6,900 runs and 151 wickets in Tests and ODIs combined is a fine record. He was a true all-rounder, a valuable asset in any team. And let's not forget his role in nurturing young talent during his coaching stint. Players like Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur thrived under his guidance.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see what the MCA does next. Perhaps a gate dedicated to Polly Umrigar? Or a pavilion named after Ajit Wadekar? There's a rich history to celebrate. But for now, the Ravi Shastri stand at the Wankhede is a welcome addition, a reminder of a man who has given so much to Indian cricket, both on and off the field. Next time you're at the Wankhede, raise a glass (or a cheer!) to Ravi – he's earned it. And who knows, maybe we'll even hear him on the mic again during IPL 2026, calling another six that lands right in his own stand!