In the wake of Rohit Sharma’s emotional retirement from Test cricket, the inauguration of a stand in his name at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium felt like a radiant rainbow after a storm — a moment of celebration following days of emotional reckoning for Indian cricket.
For a boy from the bylanes of Borivali, once scolded for lingering too close to the Wankhede gates, this honour marked the completion of a remarkable journey. From breaking window panes during street cricket to having an entire stand named after him, Rohit Sharma’s story had truly come full circle.
Hosted by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the event was a grand affair. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was in attendance, lending the occasion further gravitas. A host of stalwarts from Mumbai’s cricketing heritage — including Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar and Dhawal Kulkarni — were present, as were Rohit’s Mumbai Indians teammates.
“To be honoured while I’m still playing makes it incredibly special,” Rohit remarked, acknowledging the unique timing of the tribute. “I’ve retired from two formats, but I’m still playing one. It will be surreal on the 21st, when I walk out to represent Mumbai Indians against Delhi Capitals, with a stand bearing my name. It will be even more special when I represent India again, whenever that happens.”
The moment was heavy with emotion, not just for Rohit, but for his family as well. Standing beside his parents, wife Ritika Sajdeh, and other close relatives, he expressed deep gratitude. “To receive this honour in front of my family — my mum and dad, my brother and his wife, and my wife, who’s here today — it’s something I’ll cherish forever. I’m thankful for all they’ve sacrificed so I could stand here and speak on this special day.”
As the ceremonial buzzer was pressed to unveil the stand, Ritika was visibly moved to tears, while Rohit remained poised, his pride quietly radiant.
The ceremony also honoured other icons of Indian cricket. Former ICC, BCCI and MCA President Sharad Pawar was present for the unveiling. The late Ajit Wadekar, India’s captain during the historic Test series wins in the West Indies and England in 1971, was also posthumously honoured with a stand. The MCA Office Lounge was dedicated to the memory of former MCA President Amol Kale, with his family present to receive the tribute.
The ceremony, originally scheduled for 13 May, had to be postponed due to the temporary suspension of IPL 2025 amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. But when the moment finally arrived, it resonated far beyond the boundaries of the Wankhede — a salute not just to Rohit Sharma the cricketer, but to Rohit Sharma the dreamer, whose journey continues to inspire.
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