During a touching and funny moment at the unveiling of the ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’ at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, India's cricket icon Rohit Sharma endeared himself to fans with a playful exchange that resonated with those in attendance and popularized on social media.

As Rohit passed by the crowd on the sideline of the ceremony, he spotted a familiar face, super fan Dipak Patel, waving a flag with even more zeal than his breathless stroll. This was followed by a heartwarming moment. After coming to a halt to chat and take a picture, the laughter flowed as Rohit pretended to tap Dipak lightly with a punch while the fan pretended to follow him in a joking way. Seconds later, Rohit affectionately embraced the fan off the side, bringing an emotional and personal aspect to an already historic moment.

With that, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officially named the stand after Rohit Sharma commemorating the vast contributions produced by the cricketer to both Indian and Mumbai cricket. Along with naming stands after former Indian Captain Ajit Wadekar and philanthropist ex-BCCI President Sharad Pawar, it's a day to commemorate in Mumbai's cricketing history.

Rohit Sharma with his fan Dipak🔥

Don’t miss the end😭🔥🔥

pic.twitter.com/jKnvCDrYVV

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) May 16, 2025

Also read:  Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs rejoin Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2025 resumption

"A Surreal Feeling"—Rohit" Looks Back on the Honour

At the ceremony, Rohit talked passionately about how much the honour meant to him. "I had never imagined what was going to be today. You try to set a lot of milestones, but something like this is very special, because Wankhede is such an iconic stadium and so many memories have been created here," the former Test and T20I captain said.

Rohit, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, shared how special it was to have his family in attendance: “To have this honour in front of my family — my mom and dad, my brother and his wife, and my wife — very special people in my life. I’m so grateful for the sacrifices they’ve made for me to stand here.”

Having played 67 Tests and notched more than 4,300 runs, Rohit is leaving behind a brilliant legacy. Now that Wankhede carries his name, the Indian opener's journey has come full circle — from creating memories on the field to becoming immortalized as part of the stadium's history.

India's head coach Rahul Dravid shared a message full of warmth and humor to congratulate Rohit Sharma on a stand being named after him at the famous Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The soon-to-be viral video message is a wonderful combination of warmth, wit, and admiration — a fitting representation of both players' friendship and their mutual respect as two of India's great cricketers.

When Dravid began his message, he started in a teasing tone. "Hey Rohit, I guess you have hit so many sixes into those stands, they had to name one after you," Dravid said. But it didn't take long for Dravid to acknowledge the honor for Rohit and use a sincere tone. "Just congratulations! I'm sure as a young kid growing up that this has come to that... It is a tremendous honor, and it is very well-deserved."

Describing Wankhede Stadium as one of the best cricket stadiums in the world, Dravid said, "The legendary Wankhede Stadium now actually has a Rohit Sharma stand. Some of the greatest moments of the game have happened in this stadium; it is only right that your name now be part of that."

Rahul Dravid's message to RO got us like... 🥹💙

P.S. The humour at the start & end 😂👌#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #RohitSharmaStand | @ImRo45 | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/sdnasfUIKi

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 17, 2025

Also read: Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs rejoin Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2025 resumption

A Salute to Rohit's Legacy

Dravid reminisced about Rohit Sharma's journey and immense contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket, and noted that the adulation is a "just reward" for all he has put in.
He then said, "You probably never envisioned a stand being named after you, but now that it has happened, I hope it was a really special day, spent with your family and friends.

He closed the eulogy by wishing best wishes, commenting on how proud everyone is of Rohit's accomplishments as a player and a leader. The note had a deep impact on fans, appreciating Rohit from when he was a boy growing up in Mumbai, to a cricketing legend, whose name now adorns the walls of the very stadium he dreamt of playing in.

Dravid's message not only captured the time but also the legacy Rohit keeps building—one six, one match, and now one stand at a time.

In an emotional moment that was touching hearts throughout the world of cricket, Indian cricket superstar Rohit Sharma's wife, Ritika Sajdeh, was moved to tears during the unveiling of a stand of a stadium dedicated to her husband's name. The ceremony to honor the great contribution of Rohit to Indian cricket became all the more special with Ritika's evident pride and emotional response.

When Rohit went on stage to dedicate the "Rohit Sharma Stand," he invited his family along with him—turning the event into a highly personal one. Ritika, who has been accompanying him through each and every high and low of his life, fought hard to contain her tears as fans cheered the Indian captain. Her feelings expressed not only happiness but also long years of sacrifice, patience, and blind support behind Rohit's success saga.

The stand naming marks a major milestone in Rohit's cricket life. From his humble beginnings playing domestic cricket to becoming one of India's most successful captains and a contemporary batting legend, the privilege celebrates his legacy. The moment was a culmination of the dream they created together—a dream that fans were privileged enough to see come alive up close, for Ritika.

Ritika Bhabhi got emotional during the inauguration of Rohit Sharma's stand.🥹

pic.twitter.com/spddIineXx

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) May 16, 2025

Also read: Sharad Pawar stand unveiled at Wankhede stadium by Maharashtra CM

A Seemingly Personal Milestone Publicly Shared

Ritika's emotional reaction resonated with fans and added an even more personal touch to the event. It reminded one that every sporting star has an extensive, although quiet, support network that propels them. Ritika's presence, graceful demeanor, and tears amplified the personal sacrifices made by the families of elite sportsmen and women who are nearly always behind-the-scenes players.

As the clip of Ritika becoming emotional went viral across social media channels, ecstatic fans flooded the couple with thanks and compliments. This was not merely the announcement of a stand—it was a celebration of love, contributions of partnership, and the people who humbly stand behind greatness.

The event in honor of Rohit Sharma demonstrated Ritika's involvement in his journey and, in many ways, made the moment extra special for cricket fans worldwide.

In a touching and historic moment, Indian cricket legend Rohit Sharma had his family members join him on stage at the launch of a stand at a stadium that was dedicated to him. The emotional and inspiring ceremony, happening in front of a lively audience and cricketing fraternity, acknowledged Rohit's massive contribution towards Indian cricket over the years.

As the ceremony started, the crowd was already abuzz. But most remarkable was Rohit's move when he invited his family onto the stage — a ceremonial nod to the constant encouragement they had shown him along the way. With his wife and daughter holding his hand, Rohit beamed with happiness, and the moment resonated with fans worldwide.

The rebranded "Rohit Sharma Stand" is an important achievement in the veteran batsman's illustrious career. Rohit has played for India with pride and shown reliability throughout his career. As Indian captain, he has helped India achieve unprecedented success on the field and broken numerous records. If you think of explosive limited-overs performances as captain, you would think of Rohit. If you think of a stoic character of calmness and grace in an Indian captain in Test matches, you would think of Rohit. Rohit Sharma is the one player, and person, we associate with current Indian cricket.

Rohit asking his family to come on the stage to inaugurate his stand❤️ pic.twitter.com/Td9r3Y9DHw

— qwerty (@Qwertyx_45) May 16, 2025

Also read: Sharad Pawar stand unveiled at Wankhede stadium by Maharashtra CM

A Recognition to Family Wisdom and Legacy

Having his family participate in the ceremony was not merely lip service — it was a reflection of Rohit's modest nature and his respect for the people behind the hard work. The moment was genuinely shared in a video, and before long it went viral on social media, with cricket fans praising their captain for his performances on the field, but for his humility and love of family.

For Rohit Sharma, this recognition is not simply a nameplate on the wall of a stadium — it is a representation of years of sweat, hard work, and moments that made him Rohit Sharma. And, in sharing it with his family, he was reminding all of us that success in cricket is a team affair away from it as it is on it.

This touching moment is a beautiful chapter in the book of Rohit's life, and for that, we thank him and the family — and something that will stay with viewers for many years.

Rohit Sharma gave a very emotional speech at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) stand naming ceremony on May 16, 2025. The ceremony, at Wankhede Stadium, was the official naming of the Rohit Sharma Stand, in appreciation of his invaluable services to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Standing at the podium with the MCA logo, Rohit narrated his state of disbelief and gratitude: "For all of us, what is going to happen today I have never dreamt of." As a child aspiring to play cricket for Mumbai and aspiring to play cricket for India, nobody thinks about these sorts of things." His tone was laced with real emotion, a personal milestone that fits into the revival of the IPL 2025 season on May 17 after being suspended for a week owing to India-Pakistan tensions.

Rohit, who has scored 402 runs in 11 Wankhede international games and guided Mumbai Indians to a record five IPL championships, referred to the dream-like privilege of having a stand named in his honor. "For all of us, what is going to happen today I never even dreamt of. As a young kid who grew up wishing to play the sport for Mumbai, wishing to play for India, you don't think of these kind of things.“ His voice had an undeniable wave of emotion when he said this, and it was an honesty that highlighted his personal milestones in the middle of the start of the IPL 2025 season, returning on May 17 after a week-long pause thanks to India-Pakistan tensions.

The ceremony, in which MCA president Ajinkya Naik and other dignitaries were present, also included the inauguration of stands for Sharad Pawar and Ajit Wadekar and the MCA Office Lounge in the memory of Amol Kale. Rohit's emotional recall of the moment was apparent as he spoke of his career, saying, "While doing that, obviously you try and achieve a lot of things, you achieve a lot of things, and a lot of milestones are created." His words were a tribute to his own achievement and the team spirit of Mumbai cricket, winning over fans as Wankhede continues to pay homage to its heroes.

Watch the video here

Rohit Sharma’s iconic speech about his stand in Wankhede Stadium. ❤️🥹
pic.twitter.com/QRSp8GHata

— ‏ً (@Ro45Goat) May 16, 2025

Also Read: WATCH: Rohit Sharma’s heartwarming mentions to his Family and ‘Ritika’ last with smile

A Testament to Legacy and Inspiration

As Wankhede Stadium gets ready to welcome Mumbai Indians' next IPL fixture against Delhi Capitals on May 21, the Rohit Sharma Stand is a testament to his memory that will endure. Rohit's heartfelt speech will be a precious memory, summarizing his career and the vast extent of his contribution to the game. The recognition at Wankhede, a stadium that is equated with cricketing excellence, motivates future generations, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of Mumbai cricket.

India and Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma gave a very emotional speech on the day of the unveiling of the Rohit Sharma Stand at Wankhede Stadium on May 16, 2025, when he spoke of the immense gratitude he felt for his family and wife, Ritika Sajdeh. The function, one of a series of tributes to greats at Wankhede, also featured the dedication of stands for Sharad Pawar and Ajit Wadekar and the MCA Office Lounge in honor of Amol Kale. Rohit's speech was especially emotional as he welcomed the presence of his parents, brother, and wife, who were present, giving it a human touch to the professional achievement. His use of the term "Ritika Bhabhi" for Ritika brought a warm smile to his face, capturing the mood of the moment during the resumption of the IPL 2025 season on May 17 after a week-long hiatus because of India-Pakistan tensions.

Standing at the podium with the logo of MCA in the background, Rohit addressed how there was a surreal moment of having a stand named after him at Wankhede stadium where he has scored 402 runs in 11 international games and won five IPL titles as the captain of Mumbai Indians. "It will be such a special feeling to have a stand, particularly because my family—my mom and dad, my brother and his wife, and my wife, who is here with me as well—are such special individuals in my life. I am so, so thankful," he stated, his tone filled with true emotion. The speech, recorded by ANI, spoke of not only his cricketing success but also the down-to-earth impact of his family, striking a chord with fans who have watched him grow from a promising batsman to a cricketing hero.

Rohit's reference to Ritika, his constant support after their marriage in 2015, emphasized the personal depth of the achievement. Regularly seen supporting him at games, Ritika's presence at the ceremony, along with other relatives, lent some substance to the proceedings. Rohit also thanked the MCA members, Sharad Pawar, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the honor, but it was his family thanks that resonated most, showing the balance between his success professionally and values personally.

Rohit Sharma first took the name of his parents, brother and his wife and than he took the name of Ritika Bhabhi.🥹🫂
pic.twitter.com/4T6sALAyKd

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) May 16, 2025

Also Read: WATCH: Rohit Sharma stand unveiled at Wankhede stadium amidst grand ceremony

A Tribute to Family and Legacy 

The powerful emotions of Rohit's speech, moments before he led the Mumbai Indians against the Delhi Capitals on May 21 at Wankhede, will almost certainly be fondly recalled by fans. The Rohit Sharma Stand, built from multiple generations of love and support by family as lovers of cricket, is a permanent tribute to Rohit's legacy at Wankhede. While the stadium continues to celebrate Mumbai's cricket legends, the emotion behind Rohit's words and the presence of his family represent those truly valuable personal stories behind professional records that future generations will learn from.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) honored India and former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma by unveiling the Rohit Sharma Stand at Wankhede Stadium on May 16, 2025, in a grand ceremony.  It was part of a larger initiative launched by the MCA to name some stands after cricketing legends, and on this day Rohit joined a very distinguished company alongside Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Merchant, and Dilip Vengsarkar, whom they chose to honor. This ceremony consisted of a stage with a banner that read "Mumbai Cricket Association The Grand Stand Naming" and was attended by MCA president Ajinkya Naik, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, who also unveiled the Sharad Pawar Stand on the same day. 

Rohit, visibly moved, cut the ribbon along with other officials, a moment of pride for Mumbai cricket. The pedestal, which is placed in the northern end of Wankhede, is an ode to his legacy, guiding Mumbai Indians to five IPL trophies and aggregating 402 runs in 11 international games at the stadium. The launching was concurrent with the revival of the IPL season, increasing the importance of the event. The fans were elated, terming it a "fitting tribute" to Rohit, who used to lead the singing of "Mumbai cha Raja" at Wankhede.

The event also brought into focus other tributes, such as the Ajit Wadekar Stand and the MCA Office Lounge named after former president Amol Kale, which were revealed on the same day. The stadium was abuzz with excitement as colorful smoke and confetti accompanied the unveiling of the Rohit Sharma Stand. The tribute is timely as Rohit gears up for Mumbai Indians' next game, where his team wants to qualify for a playoff.

Watch the video here

Ladies and gentlemen, ROHIT SHARMA STAND at Wankhede 🥺🥺🥺💙 pic.twitter.com/2kePtZYrWq

— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) May 16, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: Good News for Delhi Capitals as their new recruit to join camp shortly

A Legacy Etched in Mumbai Cricket

As a Mumbai cricketer with ambitions not only as a batsman with 15,228 runs in ODIs but also now as one of India's most successful leaders, there are few cricketers that have delivered more for Mumbai cricket than Rohit Sharma. While he has led the Mumbai Indians to two T20 World Cups, he has also developed a huge following linked to Wankhede Stadium, making it an important and lasting tribute to his tremendous career. 

The Rohit Sharma Stand, along with the other stands named after cricketers, adds to the Wankhede tradition of repaying its heroes and inspiring the next generation. As the IPL season progresses, this tribute will serve as a reminder of Rohit’s impact, both as a player and a leader, at the heart of Mumbai’s cricketing spirit.

The first look of the newly named Rohit Sharma Stand at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium was leaked online on May 16, 2025, just hours before its official unveiling by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The stand, in India's and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma's honor for his incredible contributions, among them five titles with MI in the IPL, was announced by the MCA in April 2025, and its pictures have now emerged on social media to create a buzz among cricket followers.

The pictures leaked show the stand at the northern end of Wankhede, and it has a clean design with Rohit's name above a silhouette of his batting stance against a blue-and-gold color that is the team colors of the Mumbai Indians. The dedication acknowledges Rohit's heritage, having scored 402 runs in 11 international matches in the stadium and having initiated chants of "Mumbai cha Raja." The dedication is to be inaugurated at 3:00 PM IST on May 16, 2025, and will be attended by MCA president Ajinkya Naik and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, with the timing awareness that the IPL 2025 will restart on May 17 after a week's break following the India-Pakistan tensions.

A Tribute to Cricketing Legend of Mumbai

Rohit joins an elite group of Mumbai cricketing legends on the honors board and has now joined all the other players who have had stands named after them at Wankhede, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Merchant, and Dilip Vengsarkar. Social media fans have welcomed the stand with glee, pronouncing it a "fitting tribute" to Rohit's career, although some criticized the MCA for the leak, claiming it took away the surprise factor of the official announcement.

First View of Rohit Sharma stand❤️ pic.twitter.com/bGsvr3Fz7x

— Tata IPL 2025 Commentary (@IPL2025Auction) May 16, 2025

Also Read: Virat Kohli's Test comeback blocked by selectors: Mohammad Kaif

The leak comes at a time when Mumbai Indians are building up towards their IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals on May 21 at Wankhede, where Rohit Sharma's team, placed fourth with 14 points from 12 games, is chasing to make it into the playoffs. The Rohit Sharma Stand will be a permanent memorial at this iconic venue, inspiring future generations of players and fans as Wankhede continues to stage marquee games.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is set to honor India captain Rohit Sharma by naming a stand after him at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on May 16, 2025, as announced during the MCA’s Annual General Meeting on April 15, 2025.  The MCA is fortunate to follow such a recognized path and honor Rohit Sharma for his fine contributions to Mumbai and India throughout his career, including his five IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians and 402 runs at the stadium in international cricket. The announcement was made a day before IPL 2025 resumes on May 17 and is likely a highly emotional decision, especially getting to honor Rohit Sharma.

Wankhede Stadium has a special place in the history of the game, and Mumbai cricket has always honored their great players since 1975, which has established a stand at the Wankhede Stadium with the names of the great Mumbai cricketers who played. As noted by MCA president Ajinkya Naik, "Those stands represent the legacy of those who built Mumbai's cricketing spirit - brick by brick, run by run." Rohit, aptly known as the "Mumbai cha Raja" (King of Mumbai), is a point of pride for the city and its fans, and having Daniel mention his journey to the ground that scripted many moments (especially iconic ones) is a fitting tribute. Here is the list of Mumbai Legends Stands at Wankhede.

Sachin Tendulkar

The Sachin Tendulkar Stand recognizes the "Master Blaster," who scored 34,357 international runs with 100 international centuries, a record. Tendulkar, the greatest Mumbai-born cricketer, scored his last international run at Wankhede in 2013, against South Africa. His stand is dedicated to his unmatched legacy in Indian cricket.

Sunil Gavaskar

The Sunil Gavaskar Stand commemorates the "Little Master," who first reached 10,000 Test runs and who finished with 10,122 Test runs in 125 Tests. Gavaskar is also a Mumbai boy, and his double-century of 205 runs against the West Indies at Wankhede in 1978 is memorable. His stand is fitting for Indian batting's leading light.

Also Read: WATCH: Rajat Patidar spotted batting in RCB nets despite injury worries

Vijay Merchant

The Vijay Merchant Stand pays tribute to the Mumbai great who scored 3,597 runs in 10 Tests, averaging 47.72. Merchant, who was technically brilliant, was also instrumental in Mumbai's wealth and strength in domestic cricket, and now he has a stand at Wankhede Stadium, which signifies his contribution to the cricketing history of the city.

Dilip Vengsarkar

The Dilip Vengsarkar Stand pays tribute to the ‘Colonel,' who made 6,868 runs in Tests, inclusive of three centuries at Wankhede Stadium. A Mumbai stalwart whose elegance set the tone for an entire era of Indian cricket, the stand is named after Vengsarkar to acknowledge his impact on Mumbai cricket.

With Rohit Sharma now part of this group, Wankhede Stadium continues to stand as a temple of Mumbai cricket, serving as inspiration for future generations of cricketers to carry the mantle of these legends.