Wankhede Stadium launched T20 World Cup 2026 with Bollywood glamour and a sense of nostalgia. Rohit Sharma was met with a standing ovation as Suryakumar Yadav’s 84 saved India from a scare against the USA.
Wankhede Welcomes Rohit Sharma With Emotion and Applause
The Wankhede Stadium experienced a surge of emotion, nostalgia, and goosebumps as the T20 World Cup 2026 was formally inaugurated on Saturday.
Bollywood allure, vibrant music, and stunning visuals dominated the night, yet it was clear: the loudest cheer was for Rohit Sharma.
Returning to the field where he guided India to World Cup victory in 2024, Rohit appeared deeply emotional.
Field par khade hote hue, Tournament Ambassador ne kaha, “Yahan ajeeb lag raha hai.” “Waha se idhar ajeeb lag raha hai”, yeh bataate hue ke is taraf dhaage ke khilaf hone ka kya ajeeb ehsaas hai jabke woh team ko aage laana chahte the.
The audience sensed it as well. Rohit received a standing ovation, with “Mumbai Cha Raja” chants echoing through the crowd. “It’s always great to be here,” he remarked afterward. “They are passionate about their cricket here.” ” Mumbai’s vibe is always exhilarating.”
Rohit stood with ICC chairman Jay Shah to formally unveil the tournament, raising the trophy again.
For supporters in Mumbai, it was an emotional moment: their hometown star holding the trophy once more, albeit just symbolically this time.
“Rohit pondered, “It evokes an emotional sensation.” “I’m still not accustomed to being on this side of the field.” “Times like these won’t return.”
‘Pagal Hai Kya?’: Rohit Sharma’s Playful Advice to SKY
When the teams gathered for the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav approached his former captain for prompt guidance on the decision to make if India won the toss.
Yadav, smiling and feeling rushed, inquired of Rohit, “Jaldi bolo batting karu ya bowling?”
Rohit Sharma replied in his usual laid-back manner, “Fielding kar, pagal hai kya?” which left everyone nearby in laughter.
Even Yuzvendra Chahal, while on broadcasting duty, couldn’t help but dash over to greet his ex-captain.
India withstands USA threat
And just as the nostalgia faded, the cricket dealt its own blow to the gut.
On the opening day, the USA became the third team to pose a surprise, dismantling India’s formidable batting lineup and putting them in a precarious position at 46/4 and 77/6.
Then Suryakumar Yadav stepped in.
Dropped on 17, SKY transformed turmoil into mastery with an incredible 84 off 49*, a performance that was equally about evasion and aggression. On a challenging pitch, he turned the game around in the final stages — scoring 48 runs from his last 18 balls, featuring a chaotic 21-run last over, sending wide deliveries to the leg-side boundary and frequently landing flat on his back.
With a target to protect, India’s bowlers completed the task. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh claimed early wickets and maintained pressure throughout the chase, achieving the lowest successful T20I defense at Wankhede
✅FAQ Block
❓ What did Rohit Sharma say to Suryakumar Yadav before the toss?
Rohit Sharma jokingly told Suryakumar Yadav, “Fielding kar, pagal hai kya?” when SKY asked for quick advice on whether to bat or bowl.
❓ Why was Rohit Sharma’s presence at Wankhede emotional?
Rohit Sharma returned to Wankhede Stadium, where he had earlier guided India to a World Cup victory, and received a standing ovation from the Mumbai crowd.
❓ What role did Rohit Sharma play during the T20 World Cup 2026 opening ceremony?
Rohit Sharma unveiled the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy alongside ICC chairman Jay Shah during the opening ceremony at Wankhede Stadium.
❓ How did India recover after early batting troubles against the USA?
Suryakumar Yadav scored an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, stabilizing India’s innings after a collapse and helping the team reach a defendable total.
❓ Why is Rohit Sharma still significant to Indian cricket despite not playing?
Rohit Sharma’s leadership legacy, emotional connection with fans, and influence on current players continue to define major moments in Indian cricket.
At Just 14, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Redefines Cricketing History with a 190-Run Blitz
December 26, 2025
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history with an impressive display in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday. Competing for Bihar in their opening Plate Group match of the 2025–26 season, the 14-year-old opener delivered one of the most extraordinary innings ever witnessed in domestic cricket. Sooryavanshi scored 190 runs off merely 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh. He started the batting for the
Rohit Sharma’s Gesture Wins Hearts as Mumbai Captain Shines in Vijay Hazare Opener
December 25, 2025
Indian batting icon Rohit Sharma demonstrated once more why he is cherished not only for his cricket skills but also for his modest demeanor. Rohit Sharma’s Gesture With Young Fan Goes Viral Following Mumbai’s first match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday, a young supporter attempted to touch Rohit’s feet as a gesture of respect. Rohit promptly halted him
‘Stranger Things 5’ Volume 2 Teaser Breakdown: Mr. Whatsit, Vecna, and the Fate of Hawkins Kids
December 25, 2025
Now is the moment to revisit and review all previous seasons of ‘Stranger Things,’ since the ultimate journey is just around the corner. During the countdown, the creators have unveiled a new teaser for ‘Stranger Things 5’ Volume 2. Before the December 26 launch, this teaser offers a glimpse of what to anticipate, including the plot twist, character development, and
Rohit Sharma’s 155 Sets the Tone for Mumbai’s Dominant Vijay Hazare Trophy Start
December 24, 2025
Rohit Sharma delivered an impressive performance with 155 runs as Mumbai kicked off their Vijay Hazare Trophy journey with a solid victory against Sikkim at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, where they effortlessly chased the target and secured the match by eight wickets. Sikkim won the coin toss and opted to bat initially. They set a challenging score of
Rohit Sharma’s Domestic Return Triggers Crowd Scare at Jaipur Stadium
December 24, 2025
Rohit Sharma’s comeback to domestic cricket was intended to be discreet — a practice session, some calm preparation, and a stroll back to the locker room. In contrast, his initial Vijay Hazare Trophy appearance in Jaipur provided a reminder of the excitement that continues to accompany one of India’s most prominent sports figures. Also Read: India’s Probable XI for T20
India’s Probable XI for T20 World Cup 2026
December 24, 2025
As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2026, the focus is clearly on balance, versatility, and impact players who can deliver under pressure. The probable XI reflects a blend of explosive batting, reliable all-round options, and a lethal bowling attack capable of dominating any opposition. Also Read: 4,000 and Counting! Smriti Mandhana Sets Historic T20I Benchmark for India A
4,000 and Counting! Smriti Mandhana Sets Historic T20I Benchmark for India
December 23, 2025
Indian star player Smriti Mandhana made history in the first Women’s T20I match against Sri Lanka on Sunday in Visakhapatnam. The left-handed opener reached a significant milestone and joined an exclusive group in women’s T20 international cricket. Mandhana made history as the first Indian woman cricketer to exceed 4,000 runs in T20Is. This is a significant milestone for Indian cricket.
‘No Energy Left’: Rohit Sharma Reveals How 2023 World Cup Final Broke Him Mentally
December 23, 2025
In a shocking and heartfelt confession, ex-India captain Rohit Sharma revealed that he considered quitting cricket entirely following India’s heavy defeat to Australia in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup held in Ahmedabad. Addressing an event at Masters’ Union on Sunday, Rohit revealed the emotional impact of the loss, recounting a time when the sport he cherished seemed
“Happy For My Thambi”: Ashwin Applauds Sanju Samson’s Long-Awaited T20 World Cup Call-Up
December 22, 2025
Ashwin supports India’s T20 World Cup 2026 team captained by Suryakumar and Axar, complimenting Samson, Kishan, and Rinku prior to the India-Sri Lanka match. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his support for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 lineup, stating the team is poised for a robust title defense and applauding various daring selection decisions. Defending champions India grabbed attention
‘Messi Didn’t Like Being Touched’: How Kolkata Event Spiralled Out of Control
December 22, 2025
Lionel Messi departed Kolkata swiftly following tumultuous events at Salt Lake Stadium, according to organizer Satadru Dutta. SIT investigates security breaches and financial information. Arrested organizer Satadru Dutta informed investigators that Lionel Messi shortened his Kolkata visit due to feeling very uneasy about the disorganized crowd scenes at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 13. Also Read: Silence, Scores, Selection: