Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani led tributes to cricket icon Rohit Sharma on May 16, 2025, as the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) inaugurated the “Rohit Sharma Stand” at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The ceremony, held in Mumbai, celebrated Sharma’s remarkable journey from a young boy in Borivali to one of India’s greatest cricketers, with Ambani calling the honor a source of inspiration for generations.
The Rohit Sharma Stand, previously the Divecha Pavilion Level 3, was unveiled in a heartfelt event attended by the entire Mumbai Indians squad, MCA officials, and Sharma’s family, including his parents, wife Ritika Sajdeh, and daughter Samaira. Ambani, in a video shared by Mumbai Indians, praised Sharma’s legacy: “From a young boy in Borivali to being one of the best cricketers in the world, congratulations on a fantastic achievement. I can’t wait to walk out for our last home game this season at Wankhede with your name on the stand.” He highlighted Sharma’s contributions to Mumbai, Indian cricket, and Mumbai Indians, noting his five IPL titles and leadership in securing the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
Sharma, visibly emotional, addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for the recognition. “Wankhede is where I’ve grown, practiced, and struggled. To have my name among the greats is overwhelming,” he said, recalling his childhood dreams of playing for Mumbai and India. He thanked the MCA, fans, and his family, particularly his parents, whom he convinced to attend the ceremony despite their preference for staying out of the spotlight. The MCA also honored Ajit Wadekar and Sharad Pawar with dedicated stands and named the MCA Lounge after the late Amol Kale, marking a day of tributes to cricketing legends.
The ceremony resonated deeply with fans and teammates. Suryakumar Yadav, Sharma’s Mumbai Indians and India teammate, posted an emotional tribute, calling him an inspiration from “finisher to opener to captain.” Social media buzzed with praise, with fans celebrating Sharma’s 19,700 international runs, 49 centuries, and record as India’s most successful Test captain with 45 wins in 54 matches. His protective gestures toward his mother during the event further endeared him to fans, reinforcing his image as a humble family man.
The honor comes after Sharma’s Test retirement in 2024, following a challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Despite stepping away from the red-ball format, he continues to lead India in ODIs and play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where the team holds fourth place with 14 points as of May 16, 2025. The Rohit Sharma Stand joins those named after Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, cementing his legacy at Wankhede, the site of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph.
As Mumbai Indians prepare for their final IPL 2025 home game against Delhi Capitals on May 21, the newly named stand will serve as a lasting tribute to Sharma’s contributions and a reminder of his journey from Borivali to global stardom. The ceremony not only celebrated a cricketing giant but also highlighted the enduring bond between Sharma, Mumbai, and the Wankhede Stadium.
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