Rohit Sharma, one of cricket’s most popular figures, was among the special guests at the Wankhede Stadium’s 50th-anniversary celebration on Sunday. As expected, his presence sent fans into a frenzy, with many crowding around him for autographs and selfies. This is a familiar sight wherever the India captain goes, and Wankhede was no different.

A viral video from the event captured an amusing moment that perfectly demonstrated Rohit’s interaction with his fans. Rohit was seated between two cricketing icons: India legend Sachin Tendulkar and former skipper Ajinkya Rahane. Suddenly, a young fan wearing a Team India jersey approached Rohit for an autograph, bypassing Sachin and Rahane.

Rohit, ever the gracious player, immediately agreed to sign the fan’s bat. Afterward, he extended his hand for a fist-bump. However, to Rohit’s surprise, the fan ignored the gesture and simply ran off. The awkward moment didn’t go unnoticed by Rahane, who found the situation hilarious. But just as Rohit appeared embarrassed, the young fan returned and gave him the much-anticipated fist-bump, much to Rohit’s relief and amusement.

Rohit, who hails from Maharashtra, has deep connections to Mumbai, having played for the Mumbai state team throughout his domestic career. In the Indian Premier League, he has been the captain of Mumbai Indians since joining the team in 2011. Rohit’s bond with Wankhede runs even deeper, as it has played a significant role in his cricketing journey.

Speaking about the stadium’s importance, Rohit shared his fond memories during an interview for the MCA’s social media. “When I first played at the old stadium, it had a unique charm of its own. Now, this venue holds special memories for Indian cricket, Mumbai Indians, and Mumbai Cricket Association. I hope we continue to create more such memories here in the years to come,” he said.

Rohit, however, is facing pressure following his struggles with the bat during India’s recent 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His form has been concerning, so much so that he opted out of the final Test against Australia, allowing Jasprit Bumrah to take over as the stand-in captain.

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...