MCA to create memorial of MS Dhoni's World Cup-winning six at Wankhede

MS Dhoni's Men in Blue went into the history books in 2011 after they defeated Sri Lanka to clinch their second World Cup title, after a hiatus of 28 years. The former Indian skipper is one of the most successful captains in the history of the game and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to honour the iconic cricketer by naming a seat at the Wankhede Stadium. 

It's been over 12 years since India lifted their second 50-over World Cup, but Indian fans still remember the winning moment like it was yesterday. The country erupted in joy when skipper MS Dhoni launched Sri Lanka's Nuwan Kulasekara for a maximum with his trademark helicopter shot. Following the 12th anniversary of India's triumph, MCA president Amol Kale revealed that a permanent seat will be named after Dhoni where the ball landed.

“The MCA took a decision today (Monday) to name a seat inside the stadium after MS Dhoni. The spot will be where his match-winning six landed against Sri Lanka in the final of the 2011 World Cup. We will be requesting MS Dhoni to come to the stadium for the inauguration where he will also be presented with a memento,” Kale told The Indian Express.

A seat to be named after an Indian cricketer for the first time in the cricket-crazy nation

The memorial is slated to be inaugurated by the CSK skipper when his side travels to the Wankhede to take on Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians on April 8. For the uninitiated, the idea was originally proposed by MCA Apex Council member Ajinkya Naik in 2020, but it was rejected by the council at that time.

While there have been several stands named after Indian cricketers all over the country, this will be the first time a seat will be named after a cricketer in India. However, it has been implemented several times in other countries, with former Kiwi all-rounder Grant Elliot being one of the most famous names to be honoured this way. A seat was named after Elliot at Eden Park in Auckland after his six against South Africa sealed their first-ever spot in World Cup final in 2015.