Rohit Sharma Opens Up on Family and Wankhede Honour

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has revealed a personal conversation with his parents following the decision to name a stand after him at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The opening batter, who has been a central figure in Indian cricket since his international debut in 2007, said his parents have rarely attended his matches because they get too nervous watching him play in stadiums. Instead, they prefer to follow his games from the comfort of their home, a choice that has become a familiar pattern over the years.

Rohit’s father, Gurunath Sharma, and mother, Purnima, were not present at the stadiums when he celebrated some of his biggest career milestones, including two ICC trophies as captain. His wife, Ritika Sajdeh, and daughter, Samaira, are often seen in the stands cheering for him during international and IPL matches. But the recent honour at Wankhede Stadium has created a special occasion that Rohit hopes will bring his parents to the ground.

Why Rohit’s Parents Avoid the Stadium

Speaking about his parents’ habits, Rohit explained that they find watching him play live too stressful. “Usually, they prefer watching matches from home because they get too nervous at stadiums. They don’t like leaving the house too much,” he said during a recent interview. The revelation offers a glimpse into the family dynamics of one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, whose parents have largely stayed away from the spotlight despite his enormous success.

For many sportspeople, having family in the stands can be a source of inspiration, but Rohit’s parents have chosen a quieter route. Their nervousness is understandable given the high stakes of international cricket and the intense scrutiny that follows every innings Rohit plays. The fact that they prefer watching on television rather than being present at the venue underlines how emotionally invested they are in his career without seeking public attention.

The Two Occasions They Did Attend

Rohit further shared that there were two special occasions when he managed to convince his parents to come to the ground. They were in attendance at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium when the 38-year-old made his captaincy debut for India against Sri Lanka in 2017. That match marked the beginning of a new chapter in his leadership journey, and having his parents there made it even more memorable.

The second occasion is yet to arrive. Rohit said he told his parents that when a stand with his name is inaugurated at the Wankhede Stadium, they have to come and sit in it. “I told them that when a stand with my name is inaugurated at the Wankhede Stadium, they have to come and sit in it,” Rohit added. The statement captures both his affection for his family and the significance of the honour that Mumbai cricket has bestowed upon him.

MCA Approves Stand Naming at Wankhede

Earlier in April, the Mumbai Cricket Association approved a proposal to name one of the stands at the Wankhede Stadium after Rohit. As decided, the authority will rename The Divecha Pavilion Level 3. The move places Rohit in an elite group of Mumbai cricket legends who have been honoured with stands named after them at the iconic venue. Sachin Tendulkar, Vijay Merchant, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar have previously been conferred with similar honours.

The Wankhede Stadium, built in 1974, is one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world. It serves as the home venue for Mumbai’s domestic teams and has hosted some of the most memorable matches in Indian cricket history, including the 2011 World Cup final. Naming a stand after a player is a rare distinction, reserved for those who have made extraordinary contributions to the sport and to Mumbai cricket in particular.

An Emotional Moment for Rohit

Rohit described the honour as deeply emotional. “When people call me ‘The King of Mumbai,’ I genuinely appreciate it. It’s their love, and I don’t take it for granted. I never thought I’d come from where I did and reach a place where people say that about me. A stand being named after me at Wankhede—it was emotional,” he said after joining the elite league.

The phrase “King of Mumbai” has followed Rohit throughout his career, reflecting his deep connection with the city and its cricket culture. Born in Nagpur, Rohit moved to Mumbai at a young age and grew up in the Borivali suburb. He learned the game on the city’s maidans and rose through the ranks of Mumbai cricket before becoming a household name. His journey from a young boy with dreams of playing for India to a World Cup-winning captain is a story that resonates with millions of fans.

A Career of Remarkable Achievements

As the captain of the national team, Rohit Sharma has lifted two ICC trophies—the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. He has also led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, cementing his reputation as one of the most successful leaders in the history of the tournament. Under his captaincy, India have played an aggressive brand of cricket, and Rohit’s tactical acumen has been widely praised.

As a batter, Rohit holds numerous records. He is the only player to score three double centuries in One Day Internationals, a feat that highlights his ability to dominate bowlers for long periods. He has also been a key member of India’s batting line-up across formats, delivering memorable performances in World Cups and other major tournaments. His effortless stroke play and ability to score big hundreds have made him one of the most feared opening batters in the world.

Rohit’s international career began in 2007, and since then he has experienced the highs and lows of elite sport. Early in his career, he was known for his talent but struggled with consistency. However, a promotion to the top of the order in 2013 transformed his fortunes, and he went on to become one of the most prolific run-scorers in limited-overs cricket. His leadership skills also grew, and he eventually became the captain of the Mumbai Indians before taking over the national team.

The Significance of the Wankhede Stand

The Divecha Pavilion Level 3 stand at Wankhede Stadium will now carry Rohit’s name, a permanent reminder of his contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket. The stand is located in a part of the stadium that has witnessed countless moments of triumph and despair. For Rohit, the naming of the stand is not just a personal honour but also a recognition of the city that shaped him.

Wankhede Stadium has a special place in Rohit’s heart. It is the ground where he made his captaincy debut for India, and it is also the venue where he has played many memorable innings for Mumbai and the Mumbai Indians. The stadium’s atmosphere, with its passionate crowds and rich history, is unlike any other in the country. Having his name associated with a part of that stadium is a dream come true for any cricketer.

Family, Cricket and the Road Ahead

Rohit’s revelation about his parents adds a personal touch to the story of his success. It shows that behind the glamour and the trophies, there is a family that worries about him and prays for his well-being. His parents’ reluctance to attend matches is not a sign of disinterest but of love and anxiety. They feel every ball he faces, every run he scores and every wicket he loses. Watching from home allows them to cope with the tension in their own way.

The upcoming inauguration of the stand named after Rohit will be a proud moment for the entire family. It will also be a celebration of Mumbai cricket, which has produced some of the greatest players in the history of the game. Rohit’s name will sit alongside those of Tendulkar, Gavaskar, Merchant and Vengsarkar, four men who defined Mumbai’s cricketing legacy. For a player who grew up idolising these legends, it is an honour that words can scarcely capture.

On the field, Rohit continues to contribute to his team’s success. After a dismal start, the India skipper seems to have found his rhythm in the ongoing IPL. The former Mumbai Indians captain has already registered 240 runs in the franchise tournament. He has batted at a strike rate of over 156 while scoring two fifties in nine games. His form is a positive sign for both his franchise and the national team as they look ahead to future challenges.

The story of Rohit Sharma and his parents is a reminder that even the most celebrated athletes are shaped by their families. The nervousness of his mother and father, their preference for the quiet of their home over the noise of the stadium, and their eventual promise to attend the stand inauguration all speak to a bond that goes beyond cricket. The honour at Wankhede is a fitting tribute to a player who has given Mumbai and India countless reasons to cheer.

Source:News18 News