Wankhede Gets a New Landmark: Rohit Sharma Stand Unveiled Ahead of Grand Ceremony

Mumbai, May 16: In a proud moment for Indian cricket and the city of Mumbai, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has officially installed the ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’ at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, honouring one of the game’s most celebrated and successful cricketers. The first image of the stand has gone viral on social media, generating immense excitement among fans ahead of its grand inauguration scheduled at 4 PM today.

The ceremony, originally planned for May 13, had been postponed following the temporary suspension of IPL 2025 due to geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. With the tournament now back on track, the MCA is moving ahead with plans to felicitate the local hero who has become a global cricketing icon.

The newly named stand, located on the eastern wing of the stadium, now bears the name of Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai-born batting legend whose career has spanned almost two decades. This move cements his place in the same league as cricketing giants who have left their mark at Wankhede — a venue synonymous with some of India’s greatest cricketing moments.

The tribute comes just weeks after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending his red-ball career with 4,301 runs and 12 centuries. His decision, taken on his own terms ahead of India’s upcoming tour of England, was widely praised across the cricketing fraternity.

Despite stepping away from Tests, Rohit continues to shine in the IPL 2025 season, having scored 300 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 152.28 and an average of 30. The 38-year-old opener remains a vital part of the Mumbai Indians, who are set to resume their campaign at home against Delhi Capitals on May 21.

Rohit Sharma's career is a testament to both explosive brilliance and unshakable consistency. With nearly 20,000 international runs and 49 centuries across formats, including the highest individual ODI score of 264, his journey continues to inspire generations of young cricketers — particularly those rising from Mumbai’s maidans.

The MCA’s felicitation ceremony today promises to be more than a symbolic gesture. It stands as a tribute to a man who has carried the hopes of a nation and delivered time and again — with elegance, calm, and sheer class.