NEW DELHI: An emotional Rohit Sharma, with tears in his eyes, expressed heartfelt gratitude to his mother and father on Friday earlier than guiding them onto the stage at Wankhede Stadium to unveil the stand named in his honour. In that second, Rohit wasn’t the cricketing icon the world is aware of, however merely a loyal son paying tribute to the sacrifices his mother and father made for his desires to take flight.Including a contact of heat to the event, Rohit shared a light-hearted second together with his long-time fan, Dipak Patel. Recognizing him waving the Indian flag on the venue, Rohit paused for a quick chat and a photograph. As Dipak adopted him enthusiastically, the cricketer jokingly pretended to throw a punch, evoking smiles and laughter from these round.Rohit then stood beside his mother and father and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as they pressed the change that exposed the “Rohit Sharma Stand” — a second made much more spectacular by vibrant fireworks and a confetti bathe.Rohit’s spouse, Ritika, stood proudly by his aspect, her beaming smile reflecting the satisfaction of the event.“It’ll be much more particular, to have my household right here, mother and father, brother, spouse. I’m grateful and grateful for no matter they’ve sacrificed for me,” Rohit mentioned through the ceremony organised by the Mumbai Cricket Affiliation.
Additionally honoured with stands have been former India captain Ajit Wadekar and ex-BCCI president Sharad Pawar, inserting Rohit’s title alongside stalwarts of Indian cricket.For Rohit, the second marked the realisation of a childhood dream — to be counted among the many legends of the sport.He was visibly thrilled.“What’s going to occur right now, I’ve by no means dreamed of. As a child rising up, I wished to play for Mumbai, for India. For me to have my title amongst the greats of the sport, I can’t categorical it in phrases.
“That is additionally particular as I’m nonetheless taking part in. I’ve retired from two codecs, however I’m nonetheless taking part in one format,” he mentioned.Regardless of all he has achieved, Rohit admitted there’s yet another milestone he hopes to tick off.“It will likely be surreal once I play on twenty first (for Mumbai Indians in IPL) and have a stand right here, will probably be particular once I characterize the nation right here,” he added, hinting at his want to play an ODI at Wankhede.Having already stepped away from T20Is and Take a look at cricket, Rohit’s legacy continues to develop — each on and off the sector.