Wankhede Stadium Honors Dileep Sardesai with Gate Number 3 Installation

The Mumbai Cricket Association commemorated the birth anniversary of Dileep Sardesai on August 8 by unveiling a permanent board at Wankhede Stadium's Gate No. 3. The ceremony featured MCA Apex Council members, members of Sardesai's family, and cricket admirers.

President Ajinkya Naik highlighted Sardesai's lasting impact on Indian cricket, describing the gate as a tribute that will keep his memory alive for fans and players alike.

Sardesai, a celebrated Mumbai batsman and Test stalwart, played a crucial role in India's 1971 West Indies series win, scoring 642 runs, including two centuries and a double century, cementing his place in cricket history.

Born on August 8, 1940, in Goa, he debuted for India in 1961 at age 21, becoming the first Goan international cricketer. Over an 11‑year span, he accumulated 2,001 Test runs, with five centuries and nine half‑centuries, his highest score being 212.

In domestic cricket, Sardesai represented Mumbai from 1960‑61 to 1972‑73, playing 179 first‑class matches, scoring 25 centuries and 56 fifties, and tallying 10,230 runs. He died on July 2, 2007, but his contributions continue to inspire.