The Maharashtra government honoured four Mumbai cricketers who were part of India’s victorious T20 World Cup team, including captain Rohit Sharma, during a Friday evening ceremony at the Vidhan Bhavan complex in Mumbai.
This marked the inaugural felicitation for cricketers at the state legislature complex. Rohit Sharma, alongside batsmen Suryakumar Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal, as well as all-rounder Shivam Dubey, received recognition in the presence of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.
The acknowledgement follows a grand celebration in Mumbai held the previous day for the victorious squad.
#WATCH | Mumbai | Team India captain Rohit Sharma speaks in Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan as Indian men's cricket team members are being felicitated by CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis
(Source: Maharashtra Assembly) pic.twitter.com/I51K2KqgDV
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024
During the event, Ajit Pawar recognized Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20 internationals. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde honoured the four Mumbai cricketers in the presence of his deputies Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with Team India captain Rohit Sharma and cricketers Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal arrives at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan where the cricketers will be felicitated. pic.twitter.com/IztDURQjNf
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024
Speaking on the occasion, Pawar said, “Rohit Sharma has made it clear that he would no longer play T20 internationals. But whenever we will watch a T20 match, we will always remember you and your team’s achievements.”
The Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha greeted Rohit Sharma with chants of ‘India’s King… Rohit Sharma’
Fadnavis lauded Sharma, stating that his name is now permanently recorded in cricket history.
“Rohit gave us good and bad news on the same day. He won the T20 World Cup but also announced his retirement from T20 international format. His name is permanently etched in the history of Indian cricket,” said Fadnavis.
Additionally, the deputy CM applauded the Mumbai police for managing the sizable crowds that had assembled to welcome Team India.
“We were seriously concerned when lakhs of people gathered in Mumbai on Thursday evening (to watch the victory parade). Thanks Rohit for appreciating the efforts of the Mumbai police who handled the crowd efficiently and everyone went home safely,” Fadnavis said.
In response to the honor, Sharma underscored the teamwork that contributed to their triumph.
“CM Eknath Shinde told me that such an event has never been organised in the Vidhan Bhavan complex. As It was a dream come true to bring a cricket World Cup to India after 13 years of wait. It was a team effort,” said the 37-year-old batting star.
“It was a solid team effort. Surya just told everyone that the ball landed in his hand luckily. Had it not landed, I would have made him sat in the next match,” he said jokingly.
The captain also thanked the Mumbai police for handling the crowd during their victory parade on Marine Drive.
Surya, who took a match-turning catch in the final, said, “I am very happy to meet you all. I can never forget the kind of support we all received yesterday and today here at Vidhan Bhavan.”
Dubey commented that the enthusiastic reception given to Team India was incredibly moving. “I am proud to reside in Maharashtra. We are deeply touched by the reception,” Dubey said.
Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council, remarked, “Perhaps for the first time, cricketers are being honored at the Vidhan Bhavan premises.”
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