On Friday, an emotional India captain Rohit Sharma recalled his journey from standing outside the Wankhede Stadium as a young youngster to catch a glimpse of Mumbai Ranji Trophy heroes to having a stand named after him at the renowned stadium, calling it an "unreal feeling".
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced that a stand would be named after India's Test and One-Day International captain Rohit Sharma, former captain Ajit Wadekar, and former BCCI president and ICC chairman Sharad Pawar.
“No one dreams of things like this when they are just starting off playing cricket,” said Rohit after being announced as the brand ambassador of the third edition of the T20 Mumbai League.
Then he went back in time, remembering being a starry-eyed young player jostling to see the stars of the past.
“I still remember those days when I used to stand outside (the) Wankhede Stadium just to enter and watch the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team practice; I am talking about 2004 or maybe 2003. We used to finish our U-14, U-16 training at Azad Maidan. Me, with a few of my friends, used to travel across the railway track to go and just get a glimpse of some of the Ranji Trophy cricketers,” he added.
Rohit continued, “I know how tough it was to get inside the Wankhede Stadium back then. Even now, obviously, no random people) will be allowed inside the stadium… but those were the days.”
The Level 3 of the Divecha Pavilion at the Wankhede Stadium will be named after Rohit, who led India to title wins in the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025.
“Now, to sit back and think that there is going to be a stadium stand in my name, it is such an unreal feeling. It is something that I have never thought of, and I will be forever grateful for this big honour in my life. Like I said, when you start playing the game, you don't know how long you are going to play the game for; let alone all these milestones and achievements that you achieve.
But to get this kind of honour, having a stand named after you, is something that I cannot imagine. Once I see my name there on the stand, it will be a very emotional moment for me. From not having to enter the stadium and now to having a stand — those two moments — so much has happened between these two moments. So, I am forever grateful,” he added.
Here is the video:
(PTI inputs)
