On May 16, 2025, Mumbai witnessed an emotional chapter in Indian cricket history as the legendary Rohit Sharma was honoured with a stand named after him at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The ceremony was not just a symbolic recognition of his contribution to Indian cricket but a deeply personal and heartfelt moment for the 38-year-old veteran. Attended by prominent dignitaries including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, the event celebrated a cricketer who rose from the very streets of Mumbai to etch his name permanently into the soul of Indian cricket. Rohit, standing near the very railway tracks from where he once dreamt of playing at Wankhede, couldn’t hold back his emotions, expressing that the honour was something “going to be there forever.”

An Emotional Tribute: From Dreamer to Legend

During the ceremony, Rohit shared a video on Instagram, pouring his heart out about what it meant to him to have a stand at Wankhede. He recalled the early days of his journey, traveling by train as a young boy just to catch a glimpse of the stadium. “To just come near the gates of Wankhede was a huge step for me back then,” he said, reminiscing about sneaking in to watch Ranji Trophy practices as a 15-year-old. Fast forward to now, the same boy has not only played countless memorable innings in the stadium but now has a permanent fixture named after him. His voice cracked as he thanked the Mumbai Cricket Association and the Apex Council for believing in him and honouring him in a way he never even dreamt of.

A Family’s Tears: The Heart Behind the Hero

The ceremony wasn’t just about Rohit’s achievements—it was also a tribute to his roots and the support system that carried him through decades of hard work. Rohit’s parents, Gurunath and Purnima Sharma, stood by his side during the unveiling of the stand, pressing the ceremonial buzzer to reveal the tribute. As the fireworks lit up the Mumbai sky, emotions overwhelmed the Sharma family. His mother wiped tears discreetly, while his wife Ritika, visibly emotional, stood behind her father-in-law to contain her tears. Rohit acknowledged their sacrifices, saying, “Whatever I am today is because of them. I have never imagined something like this happening in my life.” The family moment captured the essence of what the tribute truly meant—a culmination of dreams built on collective sacrifice.

A Career Carved in Glory

Rohit Sharma’s name on a stand is more than a label—it represents one of the most illustrious cricketing careers in modern history. Having recently retired from Test and T20I formats, Rohit leaves behind a legacy full of iconic moments. In the last two years alone, he led India to two major ICC titles—T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025—and took the team to the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Known for his calm captaincy, explosive batting, and mentorship to young players, he is now focusing on ODIs and the IPL. As he sets sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup, this Wankhede tribute is a testament to a man who gave his all for the nation on and off the pitch.

Beyond the Field: Rohit’s Message to the Nation

Rohit’s tribute goes beyond cricket—it’s a message to every young dreamer who stands outside the gate of a stadium, hoping to be inside one day. His journey from Borivali to Wankhede, from a curious teenager watching from the sidelines to a global cricketing icon, inspires millions. “Whether I exist or not, this stand will always be here,” he said in his speech, echoing the eternal nature of true sportsmanship. The Wankhede stand now carries more than his name—it carries every emotion, every run, every struggle, and every triumph Rohit Sharma lived through. It stands as a reminder that with perseverance, humility, and passion, one can carve their name not just into the sport, but into the hearts of a billion fans.

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Source : livemint.com