Rohit Sharma’s Big Moment at Wankhede Stadium Leaves Wife Ritika Sajdeh Teary-Eyed

A wave of emotion swept across Wankhede Stadium during the formal inauguration of the "Rohit Sharma Stand," as Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma received a rare honour at his home ground. The tribute by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) marks a significant moment in the batter’s illustrious career—and in the hearts of Mumbai cricket lovers.

The event, which unfolded under the setting sun, featured the unveiling of four key additions to the stadium: the Rohit Sharma Stand, the Sharad Pawar Stand, the Ajit Wadekar Stand, and the MCA Office Lounge. These dedications were made in memory of late MCA President Amol Kale, whose contributions to Mumbai cricket were widely acknowledged by the community and officials alike.

But it was the moment when Rohit Sharma’s name was revealed on the grandstand that captured the most attention. His wife, Ritika Sajdeh, who has long stood by his side through the highs and lows of international cricket, could not hold back her tears. As the crowd erupted in applause, Ritika’s emotional reaction became a focal point of the ceremony, drawing quiet respect from those present.

The event was attended by several prominent figures from politics and the cricketing world, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sharad Pawar. Speaking at the event, Rohit addressed the gathering with gratitude and humility. "I am grateful to have this big honour in front of so many people, especially my family—my mom and dad, my brother, his wife, and my wife, who is also present here. I'm so grateful for whatever they sacrificed for me," Rohit said during his address.

The decision to dedicate a stand to the Indian captain comes at a time when his red-ball career has officially ended. Rohit recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, finishing with 4,301 runs and 12 centuries. His departure from the longest format came on his own terms, just before India’s upcoming tour of England.

Despite stepping away from Tests, Rohit remains active and influential in limited-overs cricket. In the current IPL 2025 season, the 38-year-old opener has scored 300 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 152.28. Mumbai Indians, with Rohit continuing to open the innings, are scheduled to face Delhi Capitals at Wankhede on May 21.

Wankhede’s new dedication reinforces its stature as the spiritual home of Mumbai cricket. Rohit’s journey—from a young local talent to one of India's most successful white-ball captains—is deeply rooted in the city. The stand now bearing his name not only commemorates his on-field records but also symbolises the enduring bond between a Mumbaikar and the iconic stadium.

With nearly 20,000 international runs, 49 centuries across formats, and the highest individual ODI score of 264, Rohit Sharma’s contribution to Indian cricket has been immense. Yet it was the quiet emotion from his family, especially Ritika, that underlined the personal side of his professional triumphs.

As the night settled in over the Arabian Sea and the stadium lights came on, one thing became clear: the Rohit Sharma Stand isn’t just a name on a structure. It’s a testament to years of hard work, family support, and the city that shaped one of modern cricket’s most successful batters.

Rohit Sharma has drawn the curtains on his Test career, choosing to step away from the longest format ahead of India’s tour of England. Known for his graceful strokeplay and adaptability, Rohit evolved into a dependable force at the top of the order in red-ball cricket. His decision to retire reflects a carefully timed move, allowing him to manage his workload while continuing to contribute in limited-overs formats. As he moves forward, his impact on Indian cricket across formats remains significant, with fans celebrating a red-ball chapter that ended on his terms.