Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A stand named after former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri was unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, as the Mumbai Cricket Association also paid tribute to its other stalwarts, including Diana Edulji, Eknath Solkar and Dilip Sardesai.
The ‘Shastri Stand’ was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by cricketing legends such as Sunil Gavaskar and current India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, alongside a distinguished gathering from the cricket fraternity.
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In addition to the stand, gates at the Wankhede were named after former India captain Diana Edulji, former India all-rounder Eknath Solkar, and Dilip Sardesai, who played 30 Tests and 179 first-class matches. These honours were part of the MCA’s effort to recognise the contributions of its distinguished players.
Shastri, who also served as India’s head coach, was visibly emotional during his speech. He acknowledged the presence of his family and expressed regret over his late father’s absence. “My wife is here, my daughter is here—she never saw me playing. My sister is there, my nephew is there, everyone is present. I am glad. Only one disappointment—my father. He was my hero, and he is not present here today,” Shastri said.
He recalled his father’s unwavering support, adding, “He watched every game from the Garware Pavilion end at that time. But he is upstairs—he will be proud that this has happened.” Shastri also fondly mentioned a memorable shot at Wankhede, saying, “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.”
Diana Edulji, a pioneer of women’s cricket in India and a former BCCI administrator, was similarly moved by the honour. “It is a big honour for me and for all women cricketers. It’s a dream come true. It is a red-letter day for me. I will never forget this day in my life,” she said. Edulji played 20 Tests and 34 One Day Internationals for India.
The families of Eknath Solkar and Dilip Sardesai, both deceased, were also present to receive the tributes on their behalf, adding an emotional touch to the occasion. The event highlighted the MCA’s commitment to recognising the legacy of its cricketing stalwarts.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
