Mumbai, April 9 A stand at the Wankhede Stadium was unveiled on Thursday, named after former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri, as the Mumbai Cricket Association also honored other greats, including Diana Edulji, Eknath Solkar, and Dilip Saredesai.
The 'Shastri Stand' was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Sunil Gavaskar and current India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, among other prominent figures.
The gates at the Wankhede Stadium were named after former India captain Edulji, former India all-rounder Solkar, and Sardesai, who played 30 Tests and 179 first-class games.
Shastri, who was also a former India head coach, was visibly emotional during his speech at the Wankhede.
"My wife is here, my daughter is here; she never saw me play... My sister is here, my nephew is here; everyone is present. I am happy, but there is one disappointment: my father, who was my hero, is not here today," an emotional Shastri said.
"He used to watch every game from the Garware pavilion at that time, but he is upstairs; he will be proud that this has happened...
"There is one shot of mine at this Wankhede Stadium; I hit sixes galore over a span of 15 overs, but that was against Australia; I hit Bruce Reed right on top of the Ravi Shastri Stand; that is my favourite," said the cricketer-turned commentator in his inimitable style.
Diana Edulji, a pioneer of women's cricket in India, was also deeply moved.
"This is a great honor for me and all women cricketers. It is a dream come true for me. It is a red-letter day for me. I will never forget this day in my life," said Edulji, who has also been a BCCI administrator. She played 20 Tests and 34 ODIs.
The families of Eknath Solkar and Dilip Sardesai, who are no longer with us, were also present at the event.