Subhechcha Ganguly 
An emotionally charged atmosphere filled the iconic Wankhede Stadium as Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma was honoured with a stand named after him — a childhood dream come true for the Mumbai-born cricketer. But what made the occasion even more special was the presence of his family, who shared every moment of the celebration with him.
Just before the official unveiling, Rohit stepped down from the stage to personally escort his parents, Gurunath and Purnima Sharma, along with his wife Ritika Sajdeh, to the centre. As Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined them, the family pressed the ceremonial buzzer together, setting off fireworks to mark the inauguration of the Rohit Sharma Stand.
Overwhelmed by the occasion, Rohit’s parents were seen in tears as their son, choked with emotion, recalled the sacrifices they had made throughout his journey. “I am grateful and thankful for whatever they have sacrificed for me,” Rohit said, his voice quivering. Ritika, trying to hide her tears, slid behind her father-in-law, but her emotions did not go unnoticed by the crowd and cameras.
“It’s going to be even more special to have my family here — parents, brother, wife. I never imagined something like this. Growing up, I only dreamt of playing for Mumbai and India,” Rohit said during his heartfelt speech. “To have my name among the greats of the game is something I cannot express in words.”
This tribute comes at a poignant time in Rohit’s career. Having retired from Test and T20I formats, he continues to represent India in ODIs and Mumbai Indians in the IPL. With a match scheduled at Wankhede on May 21, Rohit expressed how surreal it would be to play beneath a stand that now bears his name. “It will be even more special when I play here for India again,” he added, hinting at his desire to feature in an ODI at the venue.
The ceremony, organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association, also paid tribute to former India captain Ajit Wadekar and ex-BCCI president Sharad Pawar, who had stands named in their honour.
For Rohit Sharma, who took his first cricketing steps at this very stadium, the moment was not just a recognition of his career but a powerful reminder of his roots and the family that stood by him every step of the way.
