Team India captain Rohit Sharma has admitted that he never imagined a stand being named after him at the Wankhede Stadium when the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced it. Given how much he has played at that location, the right-handed batter described it as emotional and a huge honour.
He is widely regarded as one of India’s most successful white-ball captains. As a result, the decision to rename the Divecha Pavilion Level 3 after Rohit Sharma was made during the 86th annual general meeting on Tuesday. Over the previous year, the veteran has won the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup for India, cementing his legend.
Rohit Sharma talked at a press conference following his announcement as the Mumbai Premier League’s (MPL) ambassador. He noted that he has many recollections of the stadium, recalling the times they used to watch Ranji matches. He said:
“Never dreamt something like this when I was starting out playing cricket. I remember those days when I wanted to enter and watch the Mumbai Ranji team players. In 2003-04, after U-16 training at Azad Maidan, we would travel across the track to watch Mumbai Ranji players. Those were the days. When I played my first game, and now to experience that is a different experience. Since then, I have so many memories at the stadium.”
Rohit Sharma
He added:
“After revamping the stadium, we won the World Cup. So many memorable games played there, and now to sit back and think of a stand in my name is unreal. Cannot imagine. It will be an emotional moment. Grateful for such an honour. When you start, you don’t know how long you’ll be playing. From now being able to enter the stadium and now having a stand in my name is emotional.”
Rohit Sharma
Rohit has a terrible ODI record at the stadium, scoring only 97 runs in five matches, but has scored 165 runs in four T20Is there. In two Tests at Wankhede Stadium, he scored 140 runs, including a century against the West Indies in 2013.
“Mumbai cricket is giving a chance to so many players who don’t get a chance in Ranji” – Rohit Sharma
Rohit also applauded the initiative to launch the Mumbai Premier League, stating that it will allow players to fast-track their way into the IPL. He added:
“This initiative was a massive platform for the players. Last two seasons, some guys played for IPL teams and some now playing for India. Lots of good cricketers in India don’t have the right platform. Mumbai cricket is giving a chance to so many players who don’t get a chance in Ranji. This tournament will grab eyeballs, with many people watching it. Easy chance to play for IPL through this tournament.”
Rohit Sharma
The veteran will play at the famous arena on Sunday in the Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 encounter against the Chennai Super Kings.
