Mumbai: Rohit Sharma, star batsman of Mumbai Indians, on Sunday recalled how, as a young boy, he was once barred from entering the very stadium where his name now adorns a stand, in a deeply emotional reflection on his journey and roots.
"It's a huge honour, I mentioned about it as a young kid, we weren't allowed to come to the stadium at some stage. But, having played all my cricket here, and now to have that stand, it's a big honour. Whenever that name comes up, I don't know how to react," he said in a post-match interaction.
For him, the Rohit Sharma Stand is not just a recognition of his remarkable cricketing achievements, but a reflection of his journey from an aspiring cricketer to becoming one of Mumbai’s most beloved sporting icons.
The honour represented years of hard work, dedication, and a deep love for cricket. Wankhede Stadium and the city of Mumbai, which has been integral to Rohit's career, were at the heart of this milestone, a testament to the bond he shares with them.
Rohit also spoke about his approach to cricket and how maintaining a "simple mindset" has been crucial to his success.
"After being here for such a long period of time, it's easy to start doubting yourself and start doing different things. For me, it was important to do simple things and have a clear mindset," he explained. His emphasis on sticking to the basics allowed him to stay composed and deliver a match-winning performance when his team needed him most.
One of the most iconic moments of the match came when Rohit sent a ball soaring into the Rohit Sharma Stand, delighting the fans.
"Looks far away, that stand. I enjoyed being out there. For me, it's about staying out there and finishing the game, that's what gives me the most satisfaction,” he remarked, underscoring his desire to finish matches with consistency and composure, qualities that have made him a standout player and leader.
After a string of disappointing scores this IPL, Rohit rose to the occasion, scoring his first fifty of the season. This performance served as a reminder that his legacy at Wankhede Stadium is far from over. The naming of the stand is just another chapter in a remarkable journey that continues to inspire cricket fans across the globe.
