Rohit Sharma reveals chat with his parents after Wankhede stadium honour-OxBig News Network

India captain and Mumbai Indians star Rohit Sharma shared a personal conversation he had with his parents after learning that a stand at the iconic Wankhede Stadium would be named in his honour.

In an interview with journalist Vimal Kumar, Rohit revealed that he urged his parents to sit in the stand bearing his name once it is inaugurated.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced that the Divecha Pavilion Level 3 will be renamed the ‘Rohit Sharma Stand’-a tribute to one of India’s most successful captains and a proud son of the city.

For Rohit, the honour goes beyond professional recognition; it holds deep emotional significance. “I told them that when the stand with my name is inaugurated, they have to come and sit in it,” he said.

Despite his illustrious career, Rohit’s parents have rarely attended his matches. “They usually prefer watching from home because they get too nervous at stadiums,” he explained.

“They don’t like going out much.” However, he did manage to convince them on two special occasions-one being his first match as India captain at the Wankhede in 2017.

Reflecting on the recognition, Rohit said, “When people call me ‘The King of Mumbai,’ I truly appreciate it. It’s their love, and I don’t take it for granted. I never imagined I’d come from where I did and reach a point where people say that about me. A stand being named after me at Wankhede-it was emotional. That ground means everything to me.”

He recalled his early struggles, when he wasn’t even allowed to enter the stadium.

“Twenty years ago, we couldn’t get in. And now there’s a stand in my name-that’s huge. Wankhede is where I’ve grown. I’ve practised there, struggled, even been scolded there. It’s a special place.”

Rohit also praised Mumbai’s cricket fans for their passion and fairness.

“They even cheer for players like Warner or Smith. That’s the legacy of Mumbai cricket-they love good cricket.”

After scoring just 56 runs in his first six innings, Rohit has bounced back with 26, 76*, 70, and 12, showing trademark powerplay aggression and sparking MI’s winning run.