Indian cricket captain and Mumbai’s beloved son, Rohit Sharma, is set to receive one of the highest honors in Indian cricket – a stand named after him at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. The decision was officially ratified by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) at its Annual General Meeting on Monday, making Rohit only the third Indian cricketer to receive this distinction at the historic venue, after Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar.
A Fitting Tribute to Mumbai’s Modern-Day Cricket Icon
Rohit Sharma, affectionately known as the “Hitman,” has been an integral part of Indian cricket for over a decade and a half. From leading India to a historic T20 World Cup victory in 2024 to playing match-winning innings across all formats, Sharma has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Indian batters of all time.
With over 18,000 international runs, five IPL titles as captain of Mumbai Indians, and multiple ICC tournament triumphs under his belt, Sharma’s achievements resonate not just with cricket fans in Mumbai but across the globe.
Decision Ratified at MCA Annual General Meeting
The MCA’s decision was part of a broader proposal to recognize individuals who have left an indelible mark on Mumbai and Indian cricket. While several other legends were also considered – including former India captain Ajit Wadekar, MCA stalwarts Sharad Pawar and Vilasrao Deshmukh, and former women’s team captain Diana Edulji – the consensus was overwhelmingly in favor of Rohit Sharma, whose recent successes have propelled him into the pantheon of Indian cricket greats.
MCA president Amol Kale, who confirmed the move, stated, “Rohit has given Mumbai and Indian cricket some of its most memorable moments. Honoring him with a dedicated stand at Wankhede is a small token of our appreciation for his stellar contributions.”
The Legacy of Wankhede Stadium
The Wankhede Stadium isn’t just a cricket ground – it’s a sacred site for Indian cricket fans. It has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in the game’s history, from India’s 2011 World Cup win to Sachin Tendulkar’s emotional farewell in 2013. With a capacity of over 33,000, Wankhede has always been a stage for legends.
Now, with stands named after Gavaskar, Tendulkar, and soon Rohit Sharma, the stadium encapsulates the generational greatness that has come from Mumbai – the spiritual heart of Indian cricket.
A Special Connection
For Rohit Sharma, this recognition is more than just a ceremonial gesture – it’s deeply personal. Having grown up in Borivali, Mumbai, Sharma often speaks about how playing at Wankhede was a childhood dream. From watching matches from the stands to leading India as captain on this very ground, Sharma’s journey has come full circle.
During the Wankhede Stadium’s 50th anniversary celebration earlier this year, Sharma shared heartfelt memories, saying, “Wankhede is not just a ground for me – it’s an emotion. It’s where my dreams started, and it’s where I want to finish with a legacy.”
The same year, Sharma captained India to a T20 World Cup win, fulfilling his promise to bring glory back to Mumbai.
Fans and Fraternity Rejoice
The announcement has sent waves of excitement across the cricketing community. Social media has been flooded with congratulatory messages from fans, cricketers, and cricket experts alike.
Virat Kohli, Sharma’s longtime teammate, posted, “No one deserves it more! Congratulations, Hitman – truly iconic.”
Former cricketer and commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted, “Wankhede honors another of Mumbai’s favorite sons. Rohit Sharma’s name now etched in the heart of Indian cricket’s most sacred venue.”
The move also reflects a shift toward recognizing contemporary players for their real-time impact, rather than waiting until retirement or the end of their careers.
A Legacy Still Being Written
What makes this honor even more special is that Rohit Sharma is still an active player – and a very influential one at that. Under his leadership, India has developed into one of the most balanced and fearless teams in world cricket. With the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph fresh in memory and the World Test Championship final looming, Sharma’s story is still being written.
The stand named after him will likely be unveiled later this year, possibly during one of India’s international fixtures or a high-profile IPL game featuring the Mumbai Indians.
Rohit Sharma’s journey from a talented teenager to a global cricketing superstar is one of inspiration, hard work, and heart. The decision to name a stand after him at Wankhede Stadium is not just a celebration of his cricketing excellence, but also a tribute to a dream that began on the streets of Mumbai and took flight under the stadium’s bright lights.
As the “Rohit Sharma Stand” becomes a permanent fixture at Wankhede, it will serve as a symbol of hope for every aspiring cricketer – that if you dare to dream and work hard, one day, your name too can echo through the stands of cricket’s most hallowed grounds.
