The first look of the newly named Rohit Sharma Stand at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium was leaked online on May 16, 2025, just hours before its official unveiling by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The stand, in India's and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma's honor for his incredible contributions, among them five titles with MI in the IPL, was announced by the MCA in April 2025, and its pictures have now emerged on social media to create a buzz among cricket followers.

The pictures leaked show the stand at the northern end of Wankhede, and it has a clean design with Rohit's name above a silhouette of his batting stance against a blue-and-gold color that is the team colors of the Mumbai Indians. The dedication acknowledges Rohit's heritage, having scored 402 runs in 11 international matches in the stadium and having initiated chants of "Mumbai cha Raja." The dedication is to be inaugurated at 3:00 PM IST on May 16, 2025, and will be attended by MCA president Ajinkya Naik and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, with the timing awareness that the IPL 2025 will restart on May 17 after a week's break following the India-Pakistan tensions.

A Tribute to Cricketing Legend of Mumbai

Rohit joins an elite group of Mumbai cricketing legends on the honors board and has now joined all the other players who have had stands named after them at Wankhede, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Merchant, and Dilip Vengsarkar. Social media fans have welcomed the stand with glee, pronouncing it a "fitting tribute" to Rohit's career, although some criticized the MCA for the leak, claiming it took away the surprise factor of the official announcement.

First View of Rohit Sharma stand❤️ pic.twitter.com/bGsvr3Fz7x

— Tata IPL 2025 Commentary (@IPL2025Auction) May 16, 2025

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The leak comes at a time when Mumbai Indians are building up towards their IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals on May 21 at Wankhede, where Rohit Sharma's team, placed fourth with 14 points from 12 games, is chasing to make it into the playoffs. The Rohit Sharma Stand will be a permanent memorial at this iconic venue, inspiring future generations of players and fans as Wankhede continues to stage marquee games.