In an emotional and historic tribute, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma was honored with a stand named after him at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on May 16.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officially inaugurated the “Rohit Sharma Stand” during a ceremony that celebrated the hometown hero’s remarkable cricketing journey and his deep ties to Mumbai.
This rare honor has been bestowed upon a cricketer who is still active in the game—making the moment all the more poignant for Rohit, his family, and millions of his fans.
A Tribute That Touched Hearts
As Rohit walked onto the stage at Wankhede, flanked by his wife Ritika Sajdeh and his proud parents Gurunath and Poornima Sharma, the crowd erupted in applause. But it was his emotional speech that left many with goosebumps.
“I am grateful and thankful for whatever they have sacrificed for me,” Rohit said, looking at his parents, who joined him on stage for the unveiling. “Without that, this wouldn’t have happened. It was an emotional moment for all of us.”
The usually composed Sharma appeared visibly moved, pausing several times during his speech as the crowd cheered him on. His gratitude towards his parents, who made sacrifices during his early days to support his cricketing dream, highlighted the personal struggles behind his public success.
A Dream Come True at Home Ground
Wankhede Stadium is not just any ground for Rohit Sharma—it’s where his journey to stardom began. From playing school-level tournaments to leading Team India on this very turf, his association with Wankhede runs deep.
“As a kid growing up, I wanted to play for Mumbai, for India,” he said. “For me to have my name amongst the greats of the game, I cannot express it in words. This is also special as I am still playing. I have retired from two formats, but I am still playing one format.”
This reference is to his retirement from T20Is and ODIs, while he continues to represent India in Test cricket. The timing of this tribute, while he is still active, made the gesture even more meaningful.
A Shared Stage with Legends
Alongside Rohit Sharma, the MCA also honored two other stalwarts of Indian cricket—former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar and veteran politician and cricket administrator Sharad Pawar. Stands were named after both, recognizing their lasting contributions to the game in different capacities.
Wadekar, a cricketing icon of the 1970s, is remembered for leading India to historic series wins abroad. Sharad Pawar, who served as the President of the BCCI and ICC, has played a vital role in cricket’s administrative evolution.
This move by the MCA ensures that generations of cricket fans will remember the figures who shaped the sport both on and off the field.
Fans and Fellow Cricketers React
The cricket fraternity and fans flooded social media with tributes and emotional messages following the ceremony. Teammate and close friend Suryakumar Yadav wrote on social media, “Wankhede just got more iconic,” summing up what many Mumbaikars and cricket fans across India felt.
Videos from the event quickly went viral, particularly clips of Rohit walking hand-in-hand with his parents, which resonated with fans for their simplicity and sincerity.
A Fitting Recognition for a True Mumbai Hero
Rohit Sharma’s journey—from a modest upbringing in Borivali to becoming the captain of Team India and one of the world’s finest batsmen—has been nothing short of inspirational. His name now etched at Wankhede will not only serve as a source of pride for Mumbai cricket but also inspire future generations.
The “Rohit Sharma Stand” is more than a structural dedication—it symbolizes dreams, determination, family, and the love of a city that has stood by its cricketing son.
