Rohit Sharma to get a stand named after him at Wankhede Stadium
Published - 08 Apr 2025, 05:52 PM | Updated - 08 Apr 2025, 11:36 PM
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Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is all set to have a stand after his name at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is mulling over recognizing his historic achievement as the Indian captain.
Rohit Sharma led the India National Cricket Team to the T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title glory. Even under Rohit’s captaincy, India made it to the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and ICC World Test Championship.
Rohit Sharma among Mumbai icons proposed for stand naming at Wankhede Stadium
Rohit's name has been suggested by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) members for the special honor. Actually, the MCA is currently facing a tough call as multiple members have come forward with suggestions to name stands and walkways at Wankhede Stadium after iconic personalities.
It is being said that the MCA members are keen to honor the Mumbai legends like late Ajit Wadekar, Eknath Solkar, Dilip Sardesai, Padmakar Shivalkar, and former India Women captain Diana Edulji, and Team India captain Rohit Sharma for their contributions.
The MCA has also received proposals to honor former presidents Sharad Pawar and Vilasrao Deshmukh. A final decision is expected to be taken by the general body members soon.
MCA President confirms final call will be taken in the next AGM
The MCA president, Ajinkya Naik, was quoted as saying by The Indian Express, “There have been suggestions from members, and the final decision will be taken by the general body members of the Mumbai Cricket Association.”
Amid the growing demand, the MCA recently discussed naming one of the stands after Rohit Sharma to honor his remarkable feats as India captain. Presently, a grandstand above the president’s box at the Wankhede Stadium remains unnamed and is being considered to be named after Rohit.
Meanwhile, the East Stand at the Wankhede Stadium, often referred to as the common man’s stand, is named after legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar. The West Stand is dedicated to Vijay Merchant. On the North side, Dilip Vengsarkar and Sachin Tendulkar share the honors.
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MCA faces a space crunch at the Wankhede Stadium
The media gallery has been dedicated to late Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray. In 2022, the MCA also installed a life-size statue of Tendulkar inside the stadium to celebrate his immense contribution to Indian cricket. Now, the MCA is facing a space crunch following the latest proposals.
There are limited unnamed spots left at the stadium, making it difficult to accommodate the growing demand for honors. Former BCCI and MCA official Ratnakar Shetty has once again requested to name a stand after Ajit Wadekar, who led India to a historic win in the West Indies in 1971.
There were plans to name a lounge after him a few years ago; Wadekar’s family had expressed that a stand would be a more fitting honor for the late cricketer. Well, the MCA will take the crucial decisions during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 15 regarding this matter.
Sharad Pawar is likely to be honoured again
According to MCA rules, any naming of stands inside the Wankhede Stadium must be approved during the AGM. The state association has already honored former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar by naming its Indoor Academy in Bandra and its upcoming library after him, but still some members now want a stadium stand to carry his name too.
Apart from this, there have also been suggestions to name two footbridges—used by fans entering from the east side of the stadium—after former Indian cricketers Dilip Sardesai and Eknath Solkar.
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