dilip vengsarkar

Mumbai: Former cricketer Ravi Shastri (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade) Mumbai: Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi has urged the Mumbai Cricket Association to name something at the iconic Wankhede Stadium after former India all-rounder, famous commentator and ex-Team India head coach Ravi Shastri.In a letter (TOI has a copy) to MCA president Ajinkya Naik on Saturday (June 7), Hattangadi, an ex-Mumbai opener, has expressed his “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.” Hattangadi, a former Bombay opener, has written that “Shastri’s 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.”On May 16, the MCA had named stands at the Wankhede Stadium after India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma, former India captain Ajit Wadekar and ex-BCCI president Sharad Pawar. The venue also has stands named after cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar (there’s also a special box for him), Sachin Tendulkar and former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar.In his letter (TOI has a copy), Hattangadi has written, “Dear president, I write to you not only as a former player but as someone who has proudly served Mumbai cricket for over a decade. Those of us who have emerged from this great city—be it from school, club, junior levels, Ranji Trophy, or eventually representing India—deeply cherish the legacy, tradition, and culture that Mumbai cricket has built over generations.““The contribution of Mumbai to Indian cricket is monumental. It is something we, as part of the cricketing fraternity, carry with immense pride. Every name etched on the stadium walls—be it senior or junior—stands as a testament to the rich history we are privileged to be part of. These honours are not merely symbolic but serve as permanent markers of inspiration and respect. Virat Kohli’s love for ‘dhaba’ food, priority for family & more | RCB bus driver shares stories “It is in this spirit that 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. 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 concludes his letter by writing, “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. With warm regards and continued respect.”“This is an observation and not a political statement,” he added.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player?In Jan last year, Shastri was honored with the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards 2024 in Hyderabad.Shastri played 80 Tests and 150 ODIs for India, scoring 6938 runs, including 15 hundreds, besides picking 280 wickets in international cricket. The left-arm spinner was part of India’s World Cup triumph in 1983 and the 1985 Champions of Champions triumph. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy Post his retirement, Shastri took over commentary duties and was the crisis man for the BCCI in terms of the senior national men’s team. He was roped in by the BCCI as the team director in 2014-15 and then became the side’s head coach. He enjoyed a second stint as India’s head coach from 2017-21. Shastri enjoyed a successful working relationship with former India captain Virat Kohli, as the two icons went on to shape India into one of the better travelling Test teams.As a TV commentator, Shastri has been one of the most sought-after men behind the microphone, and was famously on air when MS Dhoni hit the winning six in the 2011 World Cup final.