Soon after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) honoured him with a dedicated stand named after him at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It was in Mumbai where Rohit started his cricketing journey, with a dream to play for the nation. Not only he did represent India, but he also cemented his legacy as one of the most gifted batters to grace the game. "What is going to happen today, I have never dreamed of. As a kid growing up, I wanted to play for Mumbai, for India," said Rohit on the eve. "To have my name amongst the greats of the game, I cannot express what the feeling is. For that, I am really really grateful.It will be a surreal feeling on the 21st when I come here and play representing the Mumbai Indians, and to have a stand, it will be a very, very special feeling."
Let's take a look at other icons of Indian cricket who owe their name to a stand in the stadiums.
Virat Kohli Pavilion
Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi)
Virat Kohli, one of the greatest modern-era batters, has scored over 25,000 international runs and more than 80 centuries, leading India to numerous victories. The Virat Kohli Pavilion at Arun Jaitley Stadium was named in his honour on September 12, 2019, celebrating his global influence and contributions to Indian cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar Stand
Where: Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)
The Sachin Tendulkar Stand at Wankhede Stadium was inaugurated in 2013, honoring his unparalleled legacy, including his role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory at the same venue.
Sunil Gavaskar Pavillion
Where: Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)
Sunil Gavaskar, India’s first batting superstar, was the first player to score 10,000 Test runs and 34 Test centuries. The Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion at Wankhede Stadium was unveiled in 2012 to recognize his monumental contributions to Indian cricket.
MS Dhoni Pavilion
Where: JSCA International Stadium (Ranchi)
MS Dhoni, the only captain to win all major ICC trophies (2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy), transformed Indian cricket with his leadership and finishing skills. The MS Dhoni Pavilion at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi was inaugurated in March 2019, honouring his legacy as a hometown hero.
Rohit Sharma Stand
Where: Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)
Rohit Sharma, a prolific ODI batsman and successful captain, led India to multiple victories and holds records for three double centuries in ODIs. The Rohit Sharma Stand at Wankhede Stadium was named on May 16, 2025, by the Mumbai Cricket Association, recognising his contributions after his retirement from BCCI cricket.
V.V.S. Laxman Pavilion
Where: Uppal Stadium (Hyderabad)
V.V.S. Laxman, renowned for his elegant batting and match-winning knocks like the 281 against Australia in 2001, was a cornerstone of India’s Test team. The V.V.S. Laxman Pavilion at Uppal Stadium (Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium) was named to honour his contributions to Hyderabad and Indian cricket.
Yuvraj Singh Stand
Where: I.S. Bindra Stadium (Mohali)
Yuvraj Singh, a dynamic all-rounder, was pivotal in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup triumphs, earning the Player of the Tournament in 2011. The Yuvraj Singh Stand at I.S. Bindra Stadium in Mohali was opened on September 20, 2022, recognising his impactful career and contributions to Punjab cricket.
