“Rohit Sharma: A Stand for Excellence at Wankhede Stadium”
Mumbai, May 16, 2025 – Today marks an extraordinary chapter in the history of Indian cricket, as the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai immortalizes the legacy of one of its most illustrious sons, Rohit Sharma. The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is all set to dedicate an entire stand in the name of the former Indian Test captain, aptly christened the ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’. The felicitation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 16, but fans and followers have already been bestowed with a sneak peek into what is one of the stadium’s most prestigious accolades.
The ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’, distinctly noticeable in the stadium’s eastern wing, stands as a testament to the cricketer’s remarkable career. With the signage already installed, it serves as a beacon of pride and accomplishment. The Twitter snapshot shared by sports journalist Rasesh Mandani offers a first look at the stand, which is now ready to welcome scores of fans come IPL 2025.
Tweeting the early glimpse, Mandani wrote: “Deserving addition to the Wankhede stadium #Rohitsharmastand #IPL2025”. The image clearly echoed the sentiments of the cricketing fraternity – a mix of anticipation and respect for the milestone achievement.
The ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’ is etched into the landscape of the iconic ground and will be formally unveiled on May 16 at 4 PM IST. The timing is poignant, as the IPL action is to resume the following day after a brief hiatus, adding even more jubilation to the cricket-loving city of Mumbai. The grand event was preceded by a delay as the BCCI had put the IPL on hold amidst national security concerns. However, with calm prevailing, the celebration is back on track, promising a blend of fanfare and nostalgia.
It’s a day of double delight as the MCA also pays homage to other contributors to Mumbai cricket by naming stands after Sharad Pawar and Ajit Wadekar, along with the inauguration of the MCA Office Lounge in memory of the late president Amol Kale. Dignitaries of the likes of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, MCA President Ajinkya Naik, and former MCA chief Sharad Pawar are expected to grace the event, highlighting the importance of the day.
Rohit Sharma, at the ripe age of 38, has been lauded for his extraordinary contribution to Indian cricket, amassing 19,700 runs across 499 international games. His record-breaking 264 in ODIs and tally of 12 Test centuries speaks volumes of his cricketing prowess. His recent retirement before the England tour left a void in Indian cricket but also marked the end of a glorious era.
The dedication of the ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’ at Wankhede Stadium is a fitting accolade to a modern-day cricketing legend and a genuine Mumbai hero. As the city gears up for the prestigious event, fans across the globe celebrate the man, his career, and his everlasting imprint on the game of cricket.
For ongoing coverage and post-ceremony highlights, cricket lovers can follow the Inside Sport India feed, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of this cherished occasion.