Rohit brings T20 World Cup trophy back to Wankhede

• Rohit Sharma is 2026 T20 World Cup ambassador. He won 2007 & 2024 T20 World Cups.

Rohit Sharma's return to the Wankhede Stadium with the Men's T20 World Cup trophy was a full-circle moment for Indian cricket. The former India captain,

who led the side to World Cup glory in 2024 before retiring from T20Is, was at his Mumbai stronghold as the tournament ambassador for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, just ahead of India's opening match against the United States.

Sharma shared the spotlight at the high-energy opening ceremony alongside ICC Chairman Jay Shah, moving pitchside, greeting players, and soaking in the atmosphere. For fans packed into the stands and those watching across the country, the sight of Rohit carrying the silverware back at Wankhede was deeply symbolic. Social media was flooded with posts describing the moment as "goosebumps-inducing", with many calling it a fitting tribute at the ground where his legacy is etched in blue and gold.

Named tournament ambassador for the 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma brings unmatched pedigree to the role. He remains one of the few players to have won the Men's T20 World Cup twice: first as a young, unbeaten match-winner in 2007, and later as captain in 2024. Across his T20I career, Rohit scored 4,231 runs at an average of 32.01 and a strike rate of 140.89, redefining the role of an opener in the format.

The 2024 campaign marked the peak of that journey. Leading from the front, Rohit finished as India's highest run-scorer with 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.70, including a blistering 92 against Australia in the Super Eights and a commanding 57 in the semi-final versus England. The triumph also ended India's 11-year wait for an ICC trophy, after which Rohit bowed out of T20 internationals.

"It is great to have the tournament back in India and for me to be associated once again with it, this time in a new capacity," Rohit said on being named ambassador. "I hope all the players enjoy India's hospitality and take back unforgettable memories. "

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will run from February 7 to March 8, and with Rohit Sharma carrying both memory and meaning into its opening act, the tone has been set.