Key Points
- The Level 1 stand below the Wankhede press box will be officially named the Ravi Shastri Stand.
- The decision was ratified by the MCA Apex Council during its meeting on February 27, 2026.
- Three stadium gates will be named after legends Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji.
- The tribute recognizes Shastri’s legacy as a Mumbai domestic giant and India’s most successful overseas coach.
- MCA President Ajinkya Naik stated the initiative aims to preserve the “glorious history” of Mumbai cricket.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has moved to immortalize one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket history. During a high-level Apex Council meeting on Friday, February 27, 2026, the association approved a proposal to name the Level 1 stand situated directly beneath the stadium’s press box after Ravi Shastri. This honor places Shastri alongside other Mumbai icons like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, who already have stands dedicated to them at the historic venue.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik emphasized that the decision was a long-overdue tribute to a man who has served the game in almost every capacity. “Mumbai cricket is built on the sacrifices and brilliance of our legends,” Naik stated. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the players who brought glory to our city and country are permanently etched into the fabric of this stadium.”
From Champion Cricketer to Master Tactician
Ravi Shastri’s association with the Wankhede Stadium is deeply rooted in his days as a stalwart for the Mumbai Ranji team. His international career, spanning 80 Tests and 150 ODIs, was marked by his “Champion of Champions” performance in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket. However, many believe his greatest contribution came during his tenure as the Head Coach of the Indian national team from 2017 to 2021.
Under Shastri’s leadership, India achieved the “holy grail” of modern cricket, securing back-to-back Test series victories in Australia in 2018, 19 and 20, 21. His aggressive, “fearless” brand of cricket also led India to the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.
Triple Gate Tribute: Sardesai, Solkar, and Edulji
In a broader effort to celebrate diverse contributions to the sport, the MCA also announced the naming of three prominent entry gates at the stadium:
- Dilip Sardesai Gate: Honoring the man who was instrumental in India’s first-ever Test series win in the West Indies in 1971, where he amassed a staggering 642 runs.
- Eknath Solkar Gate: Dedicated to the legendary “King of Short Leg,” whose incredible reflexes and courage at the close-in fielding position remain unparalleled in cricket history.
- Diana Edulji Gate: A historic move to honor the pioneer of Indian women’s cricket. Edulji, who captained India in 22 international matches, becomes one of the few women to have a permanent structural honor at a major Indian stadium.
These additions transform the Wankhede Stadium from a mere sporting venue into a living museum of Indian cricket’s greatest milestones. By honoring these four distinct personalities, the MCA ensures that the stories of grit, leadership, and trailblazing success continue to inspire future generations of Mumbai cricketers.
