It was only last month that the MCA had honoured India stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar and the former BCCI president Sharad Pawar. Also among the long list were Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar — in whose names, the stands in the Wankhede Stadium were named.
Ex-Mumbai Skipper Writes to MCA
But amidst all this, ex-Team India coach Ravi Shastri was left out. Now former Mumbai skipper Shishir Hattangadi has urged the board to honour Shastri.
has written to the MCA, urging them to commemmorate Shastri. “I must express my surprise and concern at the omission of Ravi Shastri, former India captain, all-rounder, and national coach, from the list of names commemorated at the stadium. His legacy is well known-not just the iconic feat of hitting six sixes in an over in a first-class game, following in the footsteps of Sir Gary Sobers-but also for his impactful career as a player and his significant role in shaping modern Indian cricket as a coach,” Hattangadi wrote in his letter, as reported by Times of India.
After Rohit Sharma, Ravi Shastri to be Honoured?
Shastri, apart from being a 1983 World Cup winner, he played a crucial role in developing a solid Indian team. “This omission, intentional or not, overlooks a major chapter in Mumbai and Indian cricket’s story. I do not wish to delve into statistics, as Shastri’s legacy is not just in numbers but in the influence he has had on the game-both on and off the field,” Hattangadi wrote further in his letter.
“As someone who deeply respects the administration and its role in preserving the sport’s heritage, I urge the MCA to re-examine this oversight. A richer understanding of cricket’s history and the personalities that shaped it will only strengthen our future,” he wrote.
“With warm regards and continued respect. This is an observation and not a political statement,” Hattangadi concluded.
