In a heartwarming tribute to one of Mumbai’s greatest cricketing sons, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has named a stand at the iconic Wankhede Stadium after India’s captain, Rohit Sharma. The decision, made during the MCA’s 86th Annual General Meeting, marks a historic moment for the prolific batter and leader, whose contributions to Indian cricket have been nothing short of monumental.
Rohit, visibly moved by the honor, shared his disbelief and gratitude at a recent event. ‘Having a stand named after you at a venue like Wankhede… it’s something I could never have imagined,’ he said, reflecting on his journey from the streets of Mumbai to captaining India to global glory. The Divecha Pavilion Level 3 stand will now bear his name, a fitting recognition of his stellar achievements, including leading India to the T20 World Cup 2024 victory in the USA and West Indies.
Under Rohit’s captaincy, India has scaled new heights, with his tactical acumen and calm demeanor earning him accolades worldwide. His record as a batsman is equally illustrious—holding the record for the most double centuries in ODIs (3) and amassing over 18,000 international runs across formats. Naming a stand after him at Wankhede, where he has played some of his most memorable knocks, is a tribute to his enduring legacy in Mumbai cricket.
The MCA’s gesture extends beyond Rohit, honoring other stalwarts who have shaped Indian cricket. The Grand Stand Level 4 will be named after the late Ajit Wadekar, the legendary former India captain who masterminded historic Test series victories in England and the West Indies in 1971—an era-defining achievement for Indian cricket. Similarly, Grand Stand Level 3 will honor Sharad Pawar, former MCA, BCCI, and ICC president, whose visionary leadership brought global cricketing events like the 2011 World Cup final to Mumbai, transforming Wankhede into a world-class venue.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik encapsulated the emotion behind these decisions, stating, ‘These stands will forever echo the legacy of our icons—brick by brick, run by run.’ Additionally, the association paid tribute to its late former president Amol Kale, who passed away in 2024, by naming the match-day office as the MCA Office Lounge in his memory.
This series of dedications at Wankhede Stadium, a venue synonymous with Indian cricket’s greatest moments—like the 1983 and 2011 World Cup triumphs—underscores MCA’s commitment to preserving the legacies of those who have elevated the sport. For Rohit Sharma, having his name etched into the very fabric of Wankhede is not just an honor; it’s a homecoming for a boy who dreamed big and delivered bigger.