Ravi Shastri calls Wankhede his ‘karmabhoomi’ after stand named in his honour

Former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri expressed heartfelt gratitude after a stand at the iconic Wankhede Stadium was named in his honour, calling it his “karmabhoomi,” where his cricketing journey began.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday paid tribute to some of Mumbai cricket’s most celebrated figures by dedicating stands and stadium gates in their names. Alongside Shastri, the legends Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji also received honour for their contributions to the game.

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The Level 1 stand below the press box will now be known as the Ravi Shastri Stand, recognising a figure whose impact spans generations, as a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, former captain, coach, and commentator.

“Honoured and humbled – to have a stand at Wankhede, my karmabhoomi, is incredibly special. This is where the journey began, and where I learned what it takes to compete, fight and never give an inch. I missed my father dearly, but I’m grateful my mother and family could be there to witness the moment,” Shastri wrote on X.

Honoured and humbled – to have a stand at Wankhede, my karmabhoomi, is incredibly special. This is where the journey began, and where I learned what it takes to compete, fight and never give an inch. I missed my father dearly, but I’m grateful my mother and family could be there… pic.twitter.com/Qx58KCvDYT

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 10, 2026

The honours were unveiled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar, MCA President Ajinkya Naik, and former India greats Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar.

Shastri also thanked the officials and the association for the honour, saying, “My sincere thanks to Hon’ble CM Shri @Dev_Fadnavis, Shri @ShelarAshish, Shri @ajinkyasnaik, the MCA Apex Council and the entire MCA management for this great honour. Mumbai gave me everything, and this honour at Wankhede means more than words can express.”

In addition, Gate No. 3, Gate No. 6 and Gate No. 5 at the stadium have been named after Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji, respectively, further celebrating Mumbai’s rich cricketing legacy.