A light-hearted but engaging moment was created amidst the grand ceremony at Wankhede Stadium on May 16, 2025, when Rohit Sharma reacted to a cheeky taunt from Ravi Shastri. The former India coach playfully challenged the Indian captain to strike a six into the newly dedicated "Rohit Sharma Stand," sending the crowd into laughter and cheer. With his signature unruffled composure, Rohit smiled and merely said, "Ho jayega" (It will happen), impressing the audience at once.

As part of the Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) salute to their cricketing greats, the event included further stand dedications to Sharad Pawar and Ajit Wadekar, in addition to a lounge dedicated to Amol Kale. These tributes arrived a day before the IPL 2025 resumed after a week-long break because of increased tensions between India and Pakistan. The timing provided an added emotional depth to the celebrations, as players, fans, and officials came together to celebrate Rohit's inestimable contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket.

Rohit, who has scored 402 runs in 11 Wankhede international matches and taken Mumbai Indians to five IPL championships, was given this honor amidst family, dignitaries, and fans. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and MCA president Ajinkya Naik were present too. The instant when Shastri posed the challenge and Rohit answered in his characteristic calm added that extra personal and heartfelt touch to a formal occasion, reflecting the deep bond and mutual regard between the two cricketing legends.

Ravi Shastri asking Rohit Sharma to hit the ball in the stand named after him.😂🔥❤️

Rohit be like "ho jayega"😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/RhBytnmnIc

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) May 16, 2025

Also Read: WATCH: Rohit Sharma’s parents gets emotional as they unveil stand at Wankhede stadium

A Moment of Camaraderie and Confidence

The exchange of words between Shastri and Rohit was not only fun—exemplifying the essence of cricket and the camaraderie between game legends. It also provided some insight into Rohit's cool head off the field, as much as his imposing figure on it. As Mumbai Indians prepare to take on Delhi Capitals on May 21, this stand, and the moments leading up to its dedication, will serve as a reminder of Rohit's legacy and the pleasure he has brought to the game.

The Rohit Sharma Stand now stands for more than just numbers—it is a mark of leadership, humility, and moments of shared camaraderie that unite fans and players alike. It's these moments of real camaraderie that deepen the cultural importance of cricket in India.

In a truly emotional ceremony on May 16, 2025, the parents of Rohit Sharma, the India cricket and Mumbai Indians captain, unveiled a stand named in honor of him at Wankhede Stadium. The event was part of a day full of tributes at Wankhede, with stands named for Sharad Pawar and Ajit Wadekar, as the IPL 2025 continued after a week's suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions on the cusp of an IPL match on May 17. The moment captured the personal significance of the honor for Rohit and his family. 

Rohit's now teary parents stood humbly next to Ajinkya Naik, MCA president, and Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Chief Minister. The stand, and his batting pose, displaying Rohit's name, is now a permanent legacy of Rohit Sharma at Wankhede, where he played for Mumbai Indians, scored 402 runs, and led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles so far. The noise from the crowd and the expression of concern from both his parents while they were there were a clear reference to the emotional weight of the moment and the history of a wave of girls' and women's cricket. even if they had no context of the history of the stand being unveiled, the ceremony marked a watershed moment in the history of Mumbai cricket.

As the greatest ground in the history of Cricket, Wankhede has continued to pay homage to its legends over the years, and the Rohit Sharma Stand joins the Sachin Tendulkar Stand as support behind each incredible player. This honor, in the context of various events occurring in the world right now, is a strong acknowledgement of the importance of cricket and personal connections with it to people around the world that continue to inspire forever.

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Rohit Sharma’s parents get emotional as they unveil his stand at Wankhede stadium🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/8L0iWWPz59

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) May 17, 2025

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A Permanent Tribute in the Wankhede

The Rohit Sharma Stand is now available as an inspiration for the next wave of cricketers. Ahead of the Mumbai Indians game against the Delhi Capitals on May 21st, the stand will always stand as a visual demonstration of what hard work and passion are capable of. 

In the midst of Mumbai’s cricketing fortress, this tribute stands for the fact that every cricketing hero’s story is a collection of love, determination, and the support of family to carry them through, adding weight and meaning to every performance.

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.

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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 Sharad Pawar Stand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on May 16, 2025, to memorialize the enormity of contributions made by legendary administrator Sharad Pawar to the City of Mumbai and Indian cricket. Chief Minister Fadnavis was joined by MCA president Ajinkya Naik and many other dignitaries on this momentous occasion at Wankhede. The inauguration also included stands recognized as the Rohit Sharma and Ajit Wadekar stands and the MCA Office Lounge in memory of former president Amol Kale. The commemorative stand of Sharad Pawar was recently displayed on Instagram by CricTracker, together with a picture of the blue sign stating 'Sharad Pawar Stand,' a recognition that verifies his legacy in cricket administration both in India and the world.

Sharad Pawar, a former MCA president and significant player in the Indian cricket establishment, was integral in lifting cricket in India significantly throughout his earlier period as BCCI president from 2005 to 2008 and as ICC president from 2010 to 2012. Pawar's impact can also be measured through overseeing the redevelopment of Wankhede Stadium for the 2011 World Cup, when India won the trophy. The unveiling of the Sharad Pawar Stand, which was first reported by News18, was timed perfectly to coincide with what Mumbai cherishes as its own moment of pride, with the Honorable Fadnavis pointing out that Pawar's efforts brought up Mumbai's overall cricketing standards. The ceremony was also being held at a significant stage in the IPL 2025 season, now on hiatus for a week due to political strife between India and Pakistan and set to resume on May 17.

The ceremony wanted to mark Mumbai's culture of honoring its cricketing heroes, with Wankhede Stadium already recognizing past, present, and future cricketing legends by naming its stands after the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Merchant, and Dilip Vengsarkar. During the ceremony, a framed illustration of the Sharad Pawar Stand was provided, signifying an acknowledgement of administrative impact.

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Mumbai Cricket Association inaugurated "Sharad Pawar Stand" at Wankhede Stadium today.

Any 'secular-liberal' interested in checking Pawar’s ODI/Test/T20 record—just like they do with Jay Shah? pic.twitter.com/ZH6zbBoqbh

— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) May 16, 2025

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

A Legacy Beyond the Field

Sharad Pawar's impact on cricket goes far beyond the confines of Mumbai, having guided the BCCI through crucial reforms such as the Lodha Committee suggestions even after resigning as MCA president in 2017 due to age limits. During his time, cricket infrastructure expanded, and the sport became professional in India, for which he was a primary architect of the new era.

The Sharad Pawar Stand is added to other recent dedications at Wankhede, including the Rohit Sharma Stand, dedicated on the same date, and the '10000 Gavaskar' boardroom at the BCCI headquarters, dedicated on May 15. As Wankhede Stadium remains an icon of cricketing excellence, the named stand by Pawar will motivate generations to come, representing his lasting influence on the sport and the city of Mumbai.

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

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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.