Rohit Sharma Honoured with Special IPL Memento for 18 Glorious Seasons
In a heartwarming moment at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians’ stalwart Rohit Sharma was celebrated with a special IPL memento acknowledging his incredible 18-season journey in the Indian Premier League. This recognition, mirroring the honour bestowed upon Virat Kohli earlier in IPL 2025, underlines Rohit’s enduring impact on the league as a player and leader.
The felicitation took place just before Mumbai Indians’ high-stakes clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday. BCCI President Roger Binny personally presented the commemorative ‘IPL 18’ token to the veteran opener, marking a poignant tribute to his contributions over nearly two decades of T20 cricket. The crowd roared in appreciation, a testament to Rohit’s deep connection with MI fans.
Rohit’s IPL odyssey began in 2008 with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, where he quickly made a mark as a promising young batter with a flair for elegant stroke play. His talent shone through with a strike rate of over 130 in his debut season, catching the eye of franchises. In 2011, Mumbai Indians secured his services—a decision that would redefine both his career and the franchise’s fortunes.
Over the years, Rohit evolved from a dynamic middle-order batter to the cornerstone of MI’s batting line-up and, eventually, one of the most successful captains in IPL history. Under his leadership, MI clinched five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020), a record matched only by Chennai Super Kings. Known for his calm demeanour and tactical brilliance, Rohit’s ability to make critical decisions under pressure—such as strategic bowling changes and nurturing talents like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya—cemented MI’s status as a powerhouse.
Beyond trophies, Rohit’s individual stats are staggering. He ranks among the top run-scorers in IPL history with over 6,200 runs at a strike rate of around 130, including a record number of sixes for an Indian batter. His knack for pacing innings and delivering in crunch moments, like the unforgettable 68 off 51 balls in the 2013 final against CSK, remains etched in IPL lore.
This tribute echoes the recognition given to Virat Kohli during the IPL 2025 opening ceremony. While Kohli, the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, holds the record as the league’s all-time highest run-scorer with over 7,500 runs, Rohit’s legacy stands tall for blending personal milestones with unparalleled team success. Both players, having debuted in 2008, represent the evolution of IPL from a nascent T20 experiment to a global cricketing juggernaut.
As Rohit received the memento amidst cheers, it wasn’t just a celebration of his achievements but a nod to his role in shaping modern T20 cricket. His journey—from a raw talent at Deccan Chargers to the ‘Hitman’ of Mumbai Indians—reflects resilience, adaptability, and excellence. With IPL 2025 heating up, fans hope this honour inspires Rohit to add yet another chapter to his storied career.
In an era where loyalty to a single franchise is rare, Rohit Sharma’s 14-year association with Mumbai Indians stands as a beacon of commitment. As the Wankhede echoed with chants of his name, this felicitation was more than a ceremony—it was a salute to a cricketing icon whose legacy will inspire generations to come.