Watch: Rohit Sharma Stand inaugurated at Wankhede as MCA pays tribute to legends

NEW DELHI: The

Mumbai Cricket Association

(MCA) on Friday officially inaugurated four commemorative sections at the iconic

Wankhede Stadium

, with the highlight being the naming of a stand after India’s ODI captain and Mumbai Indians (MI) legend, Rohit Sharma. The other dedications include the

Sharad Pawar Stand

, the Ajit Wadekar Stand, and the MCA Office Lounge — unveiled in memory of former MCA President Amol Kale.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!WATCH:

The Divecha Pavilion Level 3 stand has now been renamed the

Rohit Sharma Stand

, honouring the local boy from Borivali who rose to become one of the greatest cricketers of his generation. Rohit recently led India to the 2024

ICC T20 World Cup

title in the USA and West Indies, and had earlier captained the team to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE.

The entire Mumbai Indians squad was present at the inauguration, standing in solidarity with their legendary captain on his momentous day.Who's that IPL player?MI owner Akash Ambani, in a heartfelt tribute shared on the franchise’s social media, congratulated Rohit on the recognition.

“Rohit, congratulations. A young boy from Borivali, who now has a name on one of the most iconic world venues of cricket – Wankhede Stadium. From representing Mumbai, to playing and leading India, and being an absolute legend for us at Mumbai Indians — this is the stuff that can inspire an entire generation,” said Ambani. “I can’t wait to walk out for our last home game of the season at Wankhede with your name on the stand. Congratulations and best wishes.”

Rohit Sharma’s contribution to Indian and franchise cricket has been monumental. In a career spanning over 499 international matches, he has amassed 19,700 runs, with 49 centuries, and is the only player with three ODI double centuries, including a world-record 264. Under his leadership, MI clinched five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in league history.

Alongside Rohit, other cricketing legends were also honoured. The Grand Stand Level 4 is now named after Ajit Wadekar, the former India captain who led India to its first Test series wins in West Indies and England in 1971. The Grand Stand Level 3 has been renamed as the Sharad Pawar Stand, in honour of the long-serving MCA president under whose leadership Wankhede hosted the 2011 World Cup Final.