Emotions ran high at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Friday as the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) paid a stirring tribute to one of the city’s most celebrated cricketing sons, Rohit Sharma.
MCA inaugurates Rohit Sharma stand at the Wankhede stadium
The newly christened ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’ was officially unveiled in a grand ceremony attended by Rohit’s family, teammates and dignitaries, marking a landmark moment in the cricketer’s illustrious career.
The event, held just a day before the IPL 2025 season resumed, saw the eastern wing of Wankhede Stadium bear Rohit’s name-a fitting tribute to the Borivali boy who rose to global cricketing stardom. The ceremony was steeped in nostalgia and pride, but it was the raw emotion of Rohit’s parents, Gurunath and Purnima Sharma, and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, that captured the hearts of all present.
As Rohit escorted his parents and wife onto the stage, the significance of the occasion was palpable. Moments before the official unveiling, Rohit paused to thank his family for their unwavering support and sacrifices. His voice choked with emotion as he acknowledged their role in his journey from Mumbai’s maidans to cricket’s grandest stages.
“It’s going to be even more special, to have my family here-parents, brother, wife. I am grateful and thankful for whatever they have sacrificed for me,” Rohit said, his words resonating across the stadium.
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Tears of joy for Rohit’s parents and wife Ritika
The emotional crescendo came when Rohit’s parents, joined by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, pressed the buzzer to unveil the stand. Fireworks and confetti filled the air, but it was the sight of Purnima and Gurunath in tears, and Ritika moving behind her father-in-law to hide her own, that underscored the depth of the moment.
Rohit Sharma entire family got emotional after seeing that stand.🥺 pic.twitter.com/7ImbLaxh9j
— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane) May 16, 2025
The way Rohit’s parents and Ritika are Crying 😭🥺❤ pic.twitter.com/XOW4nZJvEu
— Shikha (@Shikha_003) May 16, 2025
Rohit’s wife, Ritika, was visibly moved throughout the proceedings, her tears reflecting years of shared dreams and challenges.
Proudest wife 🫶🏻❤️
ROHIT SHARMA STAND pic.twitter.com/bhGv9xxYOK
— ` (@SubhashreeR45) May 16, 2025
The couple’s bond, often in the public eye, was on poignant display as Ritika struggled to contain her emotions, drawing empathy from fans.
With this honour, Rohit joins an elite group of Mumbai cricket legends – Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Vijay Merchant – who have stands named after them at Wankhede.
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