The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai paid a special tribute to Indian cricketing legend Rohit Sharma by naming a stand after him, an event that triggered a wave of emotions, especially for his wife, Ritika Sajdeh. The inauguration ceremony of the "Rohit Sharma Stand" was a heartfelt affair, attended by Sharma's family, including his parents, Purnima and Gurunath Sharma, his brother and sister-in-law, as well as the entire Mumbai Indians squad.
Ritika Sajdeh, known for being a constant pillar of support throughout Rohit's career, was visibly moved during the ceremony. As the stand bearing her husband's name was unveiled, she was seen wiping away tears of joy, a moment that resonated with fans and quickly went viral on social media. Her emotional reaction underscored the deep personal connection to Rohit's achievements and the recognition he received.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) decided to honor Rohit Sharma, along with Ajit Wadekar and Sharad Pawar, for their outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. The Divecha Pavilion Level 3 was officially renamed the Rohit Sharma Stand, a fitting tribute to the "Hitman" at his home ground. The Grand Stand Level 3 will now be known as the Sharad Pawar Stand, while the Grand Stand Level 4 will be dedicated to Ajit Wadekar. The MCA also unveiled the MCA Office Lounge in memory of former MCA President, Amol Kale.
During the inauguration, Rohit Sharma displayed a touching gesture by inviting his parents onto the stage to press the button and officially inaugurate the stand named after him. This act was met with warmth and admiration from everyone present, highlighting the importance of family in his life and career.
In his speech, Rohit expressed his gratitude and disbelief at the honor. He acknowledged that as a child, his dreams were centered around playing for Mumbai and India, never imagining that he would one day have a stand named after him. He joins a select group of legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Vijay Merchant, who have stands named after them at Wankhede. Rohit also humorously acknowledged his Mumbai Indians teammates, quipping that they were likely waiting for his speech to conclude.
Rohit Sharma has had an illustrious career, marked by significant achievements, including leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025. He retired from T20I and Test cricket in a span of 11 months. For Mumbai, he has played 46 first-class matches, 17 List A games, and 25 T20s.
The inauguration of the Rohit Sharma Stand is not just a recognition of his cricketing achievements but also a celebration of his lasting legacy and impact on the sport. The event was a deeply emotional and unforgettable day for Rohit Sharma and his family, cementing his place in the history of Indian cricket.