Rohit Sharma Vows to Secure Champions Trophy 2025 for Wankhede Stadium

Synopsis
At an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Wankhede Stadium, India captain Rohit Sharma pledged to bring the 2025 Champions Trophy to the iconic venue, reflecting on past ICC victories and the crowd's unwavering support.
Key Takeaways
- Rohit Sharma has led India to two ICC trophies at Wankhede Stadium.
- He promised to aim for the 2025 Champions Trophy for another grand celebration.
- The 2025 Champions Trophy was unveiled during the MCA's 50th anniversary event.
- Wankhede Stadium holds a special place in Rohit's heart and cricketing journey.
- Celebrating wins at Wankhede creates a unique atmosphere for players.
Mumbai, Jan 19 (NationPress) Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, has successfully brought two ICC trophies to the Wankhede Stadium -- the 2007 T20 World Cup as a team member and the 2024 T20 World Cup as captain. On Sunday, he assured that his team will strive to secure the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy for another grand celebration at this iconic venue.
As the 2025 Champions Trophy was unveiled on stage, Rohit reminisced about one of the most treasured moments of his life: celebrating the 2024 T20 World Cup at Wankhede following an open-top bus ride around Marine Drive.
“I have faith that when we reach Dubai, the hopes of 140 crore people will accompany us. We will endeavor to win and bring the ICC Champions Trophy back to Wankhede,” stated Rohit.
This promise was made during a ceremony organized by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wankhede Stadium.
The Champions Trophy is currently on a Trophy Tour around participating nations and was displayed at Wankhede to commemorate the event. Rohit stood on stage alongside cricket legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, Sachin Tendulkar, Diana Edulji, and Ajinkya Rahane, all of whom have captained India in various formats.
Rohit expressed his desire for the Indian team to celebrate the 2024 T20 World Cup victory at Wankhede Stadium because the venue has always met his expectations.
“We were confined in a hotel in Barbados. Winning the World Cup and celebrating with your community is a unique experience. Celebrating with your people is a different sentiment, and I knew it would only happen once we returned to Mumbai.
“Since childhood, it was my aspiration to play cricket here at Wankhede. Regardless of who plays here, whether it be India, Mumbai, or the Mumbai Indians, the crowd never lets you down, making it a special experience to compete here.
“Upon returning from South Africa after winning the T20 World Cup, I envisioned winning another World Cup and bringing it back here.”
“I recall being stuck in Barbados after winning the T20 World Cup due to a storm, but we were already planning what to do upon our return to India. Initially, we thought we would go to Delhi, but then what?”
“No one had a clear plan, but I was determined to bring the World Cup trophy here to Wankhede. The victories in 2007 and 2011 were celebrated at Wankhede, and bringing the 2024 trophy was vital for us,” Rohit mentioned.
“When we celebrated here, the stands were filled; even today, they are packed, which is what makes Wankhede so special,” added the Indian captain, who received enthusiastic applause from the crowd, second only to Sachin Tendulkar.
On this occasion, Rohit also reflected on his first visit to the legendary stadium and how it fueled his aspiration to play for the national team.
“Wankhede is a venue where every player dreams of showcasing their skills, and witnessing those dreams come true is remarkable. It is wonderful to dream and see them realized. I have been watching and playing cricket here since childhood due to the unique atmosphere. Every cricketer cherishes the opportunity to play at Wankhede, and that's the feeling it evokes,” concluded Rohit.