On May 16, 2025, Indian cricket witnessed a deeply emotional and celebratory moment as Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium immortalized one of its most cherished sons — Rohit Sharma. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officially unveiled the “Rohit Sharma Stand” at the Divecha Pavilion Level 3, acknowledging Rohit’s illustrious career and contribution to Indian cricket. Amidst the presence of dignitaries, family members, and fans, the event turned into a heartwarming tribute to the legacy of the Indian ODI and former Test captain.
Adding to the emotional weight of the event was India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who shared a heartfelt note on social media, praising Rohit Sharma not only for his success on the field but also for his leadership, humility, and positive influence within the team.
A Symbol of Pride at Wankhede
Wankhede Stadium, a venue deeply rooted in Indian cricket history, has seen some of the most iconic moments — from the 2011 World Cup win to Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell. Now, with a stand dedicated to Rohit Sharma, the stadium adds another glorious chapter to its legacy.
The Rohit Sharma Stand at Level 3 of the Divecha Pavilion is a tribute to the Mumbai-born cricketer who has gone from being a promising youngster to one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history. It also serves as an inspiration for countless aspiring cricketers from Mumbai and beyond.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Heartfelt Words
Suryakumar Yadav’s tribute stood out for its sincerity and depth. On his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) handles, he wrote:
“Congratulations @ImRo45 on achieving incredible things on the cricket ground, from finisher to opener to our captain. You have been an inspiration and our pride in every role… Very rarely comes a leader who leads from the front, and changes the game for better. You are that leader, who has changed not just the game, but the approach, the attitude, the dressing room atmosphere, the team and redefined the role of a captain.”
He concluded by saying:
“Like I have said before, good things happen to good people, and you deserve it all and more. Wankhede just got even more iconic.”
This message not only reflected the respect and admiration Suryakumar holds for Rohit but also captured the sentiment of millions of cricket fans who have followed Rohit’s journey.
A Career Worth Celebrating
Rohit Sharma’s journey in international cricket began in 2007. Since then, he has become one of India’s most decorated players, known for his elegant strokeplay, calm demeanor, and tactical brilliance. His stats speak volumes:
159 T20Is
273 ODIs
67 Tests
Rohit is the only player to have scored three double centuries in ODIs and holds the record for the highest individual score (264) in the format. Beyond numbers, his real legacy lies in how he transformed the Indian team, especially after taking over the captaincy.
He led India to two major ICC trophies:
T20 World Cup 2024
Champions Trophy 2025
His leadership has been pivotal in bringing a positive and fearless brand of cricket, fostering a team culture built on trust, unity, and performance.
A Family Affair and a Humble Acknowledgment
The dedication ceremony was also a family moment. Rohit was joined by his parents, wife Ritika, and brother Vishal — all of whom have been an integral part of his journey. In his speech, Rohit credited them for being his “pillar of strength” through the highs and lows of his career.
The event also witnessed the presence of political dignitaries like Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, and senior members of the Mumbai Cricket Association, making it a star-studded tribute.
Legacy Beyond Retirement
Rohit Sharma recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, following his earlier decision to step away from T20Is after India’s triumph in the 2024 World Cup. However, he continues to lead India in ODIs, and the Wankhede honour has come at a poignant time — serving as both a reflection and a celebration of a glorious era.
Frequency Asked Questions
1. Why was a stand named after Rohit Sharma at Wankhede Stadium?
The Mumbai Cricket Association honoured Rohit Sharma by naming a stand after him to celebrate his immense contributions to Indian and Mumbai cricket, including multiple ICC trophies and record-breaking performances.
2. What did Suryakumar Yadav say in his tribute to Rohit Sharma?
Suryakumar praised Rohit for his leadership, humility, and influence on Indian cricket, stating that Wankhede Stadium became “even more iconic” with a stand named after Rohit.
3. Which ICC trophies has Rohit Sharma won as captain?
Rohit Sharma led India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025.
4. When did Rohit Sharma announce his retirement from Tests and T20Is?
Rohit retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup and from Test cricket in 2025, shortly before the Wankhede event.
