Urging young cricketers to aim for the highest level, former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar on Wednesday said, Mumbai’s robust ecosystem continues to produce talent capable of representing the country.

As the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) honoured top performers from recent seasons in an award ceremony, Vengsarkar highlighted the strength of the city’s grassroots structure.

“Mumbai has a strong cricketing ecosystem — from the Harris Shield and Giles Shield to U-19 and inter-collegiate tournaments — which has long served as a supply line for talent,” Vengsarkar said. 

“It continues to produce players who are the future of Mumbai and Indian cricket. I hope you all play for India. I am not saying that you shouldn’t play the IPL as it is also important, but you must contribute to Mumbai’s success.”

The ceremony, attended by Sunil Gavaskar, former MCA chief Ashish Shelar and Maharashtra minister Aditi Tatkare, saw Shardul Thakur and Siddhesh Lad named Best Cricketer for 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively.

Vrushali Bhagat won the Best Senior Women’s Cricketer award (2024–25), while Sayali Satghare was honoured for the 2025–26 season. India U-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre and Abhigyan Kundu were also felicitated.

“Special thanks to MCA for backing me at a young age and supporting our U-19 World Cup win,” Mhatre said. Reflecting on his development as a player, he added, “Batting in the maidans of Mumbai is difficult. Practising in the maidans helped me perform at the higher levels. I love playing in Cross Maidan, Sivaji Park, and Oval Maidan — they’ve shaped my game.”

Jemimah Rodrigues was honoured for India’s Women’s ODI World Cup triumph, alongside coaches Amol Muzumdar and Aavishkar Salvi. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube also received special awards.

Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Chandrakant Patankar and Shobha Pandit, with both receiving Rs 10 lakh each.

Published on Apr 22, 2026