Ravi Shastri Deserves Mumbai Cricket Association Tribute

There has been increasing debate surrounding the fact that Ravi Shastri has so far not received any tribute from the Mumbai Cricket Association despite the fact that a number of other cricketing greats from Mumbai have already been awarded tributes. Recently, the MCA honored India's ODI captain Rohit Sharma and Ajit Wadekar and Sharad Pawar by dedicating stands at the iconic Wankhede Stadium to their names. Other legends such as Sachin Tendulkar Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar also have stood named after them in the same ground. But now there are a number of people questioning why Ravi Shastri who has contributed so much to Indian and Mumbai cricket has not been included in this honor.

Shishir Hattangadi a past Mumbai captain recently penned an open letter to the Mumbai Cricket Association requesting that they reconsider their decision. He was surprised and disturbed by the omission of Ravi Shastri from the list of persons who have been awarded by the association. In his letter he pointed out how Shastri has had an extended and influential career in cricket as both a player and a coach. He pointed out that Shastri is not only remembered for scoring six sixes in an over in a first-class game on the lines of the legendary Gary Sobers but also for his influential role in Indian cricket in recent years.

Ravi Shastri was a member of India's 1983 World Cup winning team and he has always been in touch with the game even after retirement. His career as a coach brought some of the best moments in Indian Test cricket especially when Virat Kohli was captain. Under Shastri’s coaching India not only performed well at home but also made big strides overseas. These achievements are a big part of modern Indian cricket and many feel that such a contribution should not be ignored.

Hattangadi pointed out that Shastri’s impact cannot just be measured by statistics alone. While his playing records are strong with almost 7000 runs and 280 wickets across Tests and ODIs he believes that Shastri’s real legacy lies in how he influenced generations of cricketers and fans. His work as a commentator after his playing days also helped grow the popularity of the game in India and abroad. His presence and voice became a part of how many people lived cricket particularly in the time of big tournaments.

In his letter Hattangadi explicitly stated that his message was not to cause any political problem. He wrote it out of respect for cricket and history. He requested the MCA to seriously consider this issue and provide Shastri with the position he actually deserves in the cricket history of Mumbai. He opined that by giving such legends their due recognition the future of cricket is made stronger since it rests on the right values and memories.

It seems a big oversight for a person like Shastri who has played so many roles in Indian cricket that he is not included in the list of celebrated personalities at Wankhede. As a player, he was consistent and dependable. As a coach he infused team energy with discipline and fighting spirit. As a commentator he maintained contact between the fans and the game. He has been associated with Indian cricket for decades in various capacities and such a long-term dedication is hard to come by.

Many fans and experts agree with Hattangadi’s views and hope that the Mumbai Cricket Association will consider his appeal seriously. They believe that honoring someone like Ravi Shastri is not just about putting his name on a stand but about recognizing a lifetime of dedication passion and achievements. It is also about showing future cricketers what kind of legacy they can aim to build.

Ravi Shastri has never been less than confident and never short of his passion for the game. From his 1985 Benson and Hedges World Championship where he was awarded the Player of the Series to his role as coach to India's Test team at a period of transition he has always delivered in times of need. These are not minor achievements and they should not be forgotten or overlooked.

The MCA is shouldering a huge responsibility of being one of the oldest cricket associations in the country. It has always been where the great talents have emerged and been molded. Paying tribute to the legends who hail from its own city is also a part of carrying on that tradition. Fans recall how they felt so proud to see stands getting named after Tendulkar or Gavaskar. The same should be done with Shastri too to enhance that pride further and indicate that the city cares for all such cricketers who have made a significant contribution.

These days there has been a welcome trend of awarding cricketers their rightful recognition during their playing careers or shortly after their prime contributions. This serves to link the past with the present and enables the present generation to learn from the past. It also unites families and communities at large in commemorating common memories.

A tribute to Ravi Shastri at Wankhede Stadium would be more than a mere gesture of gratitude. It would serve as a sign of respect to all those who contributed in making the cricketing life of Mumbai what it is today. It would also be a gesture of gratitude to someone who never left a stone unturned while representing the game on behalf of the sport whether with the bat through his coaching expertise or from behind the microphone.

So as the debate goes on and more voices join in on the plea to honor Shastri one can only wish that the Mumbai Cricket Association hears it. It would be a proud moment for Ravi Shastri and his followers but for all of us who believe that cricket is not a game it is about people passion and the stories that remain with us for all our lives.