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.
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