The magnificent Wankhede Stadium has long been the crown jewel of Mumbai cricket, but of late the stadium’s infrastructure seems to have run out of real estate to match the city’s overflowing cabinet of legends. After the recent decision of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to honor the former Indian coach Ravi Shastri turned into an ex-leaning commentator with a special booth Sanjay Manjrekar Couldn’t resist delivering one of his trademark verbal bouncers.
As the city prepares to go high-octane IPL 2026 collision between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers BengaluruMCA organized a star-studded ceremony to immortalize a few brave ones. While the atmosphere was celebratory, Manjrekar’s witty intervention on social media, questioning whether the association was ‘over-distributing’ its honours, added a layer to the proceedings.
Known for his candid and often polarizing opinions, Manjrekar took to X (earlier Twitter) to voice his humorous dismay at MCA’s fast pace in naming stadium landmarks. The press box stand was officially designated as the ‘Ravi Shastri Stand’ and was assigned to legends like several wickets. Dilip Sardesai, Diana Eduljiand Eknath SolkarManjrekar suggested some restraint.
“Requesting the Mumbai Cricket Association to reserve some wickets and stands for future administrations to bear the names of the players”, Manjrekar wrote.
The note, though humorous, touches on logistical reality. Wankhede already boasts stands bearing his name Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkartogether with Rohit Sharma Stand. Suggesting that the MCA should save some inventory for future generations, Manjrekar highlighted a unique problem facing Mumbai: an embarrassment of riches when it comes to cricket icons. The post quickly went viral, with fans debating whether the honor should be more exclusive or whether each era-defining player deserves a permanent spot in the stadium’s geography.
He asks @MumbaiCricAssoc saving some wickets and stands for future managements, naming players. ☺️
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) April 9, 2026
Ravi Shastri’s emotional reaction to the stand named after him
Despite the mild controversy, the ceremony remained a deeply emotional occasion for Shastri. The former Indian captain and 1983 World Cup winner recalled his humble beginnings at the venue. For Shastri, Wankhede is more than just a workplace; is where his cricketing identity was forged.
Reflecting on his journey, Shastri recalled traveling by bus and train at the age of 12 to sit in the famous North Stand in 1974. He described that section of the crowd as the most knowledgeable in the country, where schoolboys and veteran coaches analyze the game with equal fervor.
The ceremony held on April 9, 2026, also saw the current Indian star Suryakumar Yadav He was felicitated by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis. However, for the Shastri family, being named on the stand was the pinnacle. Shastri noted that his mother felt “encyclopedia of cricket,” was the proudest man in the room as Mumbai Indians prepared to take on RCB Hardik Pandya‘s leadership, the players will now compete under the shade of a stand named after one of the most resonant voices and influential figures in the history of Indian cricket.
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