'For my dad, Mumbai cricket was his life': Rajdeep Sardesai

Eknath Solkar, Diana Edulji, and Dilip Sardesai receive a picture of the gates named after them at Wankhede Stadium. Pics/Ashish Raje

As the Mumbai Cricket Association named gates at the Wankhede Stadium in honour of former India Test cricketers Dilip Sardesai and Eknath Solkar, and former India women's captain Diana Edulji, their family members were understandably over the moon.

Sardesai's son, veteran journalist Rajdeep, who is also a first-class cricketer said: "For my dad, Mumbai cricket was his life. He always felt proud that he played 13 years for Mumbai and in those 13 years, Mumbai never lost a match. Mumbai won 13 Ranji Trophies in those years. I'm thankful to MCA for honouring my dad and other legendary cricketers today."

Former Test all-rounder Solkar's son Brijesh expressed his gratitude to MCA too. "It was long due actually, but better late than never, because my father was the first Indian player to score a century [102 vs West Indies in January 1975 Test] at Wankhede. This is a good initiative by [MCA president] Ajinkya Naik that they have honoured, not only my dad, but also other cricketers. It's a very good gesture. For youngsters and people, who don't know much about these cricketers, these stands become an inspiration," Solkar's son Brijesh told mid-day.

"It's a double honour, I would say, because [the gate] is near the bridge that connect with the Railways, so my contribution to the Railways as well as Mumbai cricket and Indian cricket is highlighted. I'm absolutely thrilled. Also, happy that it's happening now, during the IPL, so a lot of people will be walking through that gate," former Indian women's team captain Diana Edulji told mid-day.