New Delhi

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday praised the decision to name stadium stands after cricketing greats Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble in Karnataka.

“Well done @venkateshprasad on naming stands for Dravid and Kumble @anilkumble1074. No more deserving than them in Karnataka and Indian cricket. Hope there is a Vishwanath stand too,” Ganguly wrote in a post on X.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Friday honoured Kumble, his longtime teammate Dravid, and former India women’s cricketer Shantha Rangaswamy by naming stands after them at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The ceremony coincided with the venue completing 50 years as an international cricket ground.

Speaking to ANI, Kumble expressed gratitude to the KSCA leadership, headed by president Venkatesh Prasad, for the recognition.
“It is indeed a great honour. I am truly grateful and humbled. It is wonderful to have this honour alongside my teammate Rahul Dravid, who richly deserves it, and Shantha Rangaswamy, whose contribution to Indian women’s cricket is well known,” Kumble said.

Kumble also welcomed the Government of Karnataka’s approval for the KSCA to host matches at the stadium, describing it as an iconic venue for cricket lovers. Referring to a tragic incident at the ground last year, he said it was unfortunate but added that necessary safety measures have since been implemented.
“I’m glad the KSCA has taken all the required steps and that cricket is finally coming back,” he added.

Dravid, meanwhile, also thanked the KSCA for naming a stand after him, calling it a “great and humbling” honour. He said the stadium holds special memories from his childhood and expressed happiness that cricket will return to the venue.

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“It has been an iconic ground and a place where I grew up watching and playing cricket. I am really glad that cricket is coming back here, and I look forward to watching more international matches at this wonderful stadium,” Dravid said.