Rohit Sharma Honored with Stand at Wankhede Stadium, Shares Emotional and Playful Moments
In a heartwarming ceremony at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma was honored with a stand named after him, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. The event, organized by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Friday, turned into an emotional tribute as Rohit, often seen as the fearless ‘Hitman’ on the field, revealed his softer side while standing beside his family and reflecting on their sacrifices.
The evening was filled with poignant moments, starting with Rohit guiding his parents onto the stage with tears in his eyes. Addressing the crowd, he expressed profound gratitude, stating, ‘I am grateful and thankful for whatever they have sacrificed for me. Having my family here—parents, brother, wife—makes this moment even more special.’ His wife, Ritika Sajdeh, stood by his side, her smile radiating pride as they, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, unveiled the ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’ amid a spectacular display of fireworks and confetti.
Adding a touch of humor to the occasion, Rohit shared a delightful interaction with a long-time supporter, Dipak Patel. Spotting Dipak waving the Indian flag enthusiastically in the stands, Rohit paused for a quick chat and a photo. As the fan followed him with boundless excitement, Rohit playfully pretended to throw a punch, sparking laughter among onlookers. This light-hearted moment captured the essence of Rohit’s connection with his fans, showcasing his down-to-earth persona despite his towering achievements.
Rohit’s name now stands alongside Indian cricket legends like former captain Ajit Wadekar and ex-BCCI president Sharad Pawar, who were also honored with stands at the venue. Reflecting on this honor, Rohit admitted it was beyond his wildest dreams. ‘As a kid growing up, I wanted to play for Mumbai and India. To have my name among the greats of the game—I cannot express it in words,’ he said, visibly moved.
What makes this recognition even more unique is that Rohit is still an active player, although he has retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket. With 413 ODIs, 151 Tests, and 159 T20Is under his belt, along with leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, his legacy is already cemented. Yet, he hinted at one more dream—to play an ODI at Wankhede with his stand in the backdrop. ‘It will be surreal when I play here on the 21st for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, and to represent the country here would be truly special,’ he added.
This ceremony not only celebrated Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket but also highlighted his journey from a young boy dreaming of playing at Wankhede to becoming one of the stadium’s immortalized figures. With over 18,000 international runs and multiple records, including the most ODI double centuries (3), Rohit’s story continues to inspire millions. As fans cheered and the stadium glowed with pride, it was evident that this was not just a tribute to a cricketer, but to a legacy that transcends the boundary ropes.