Introduction:
According to Cricbuzz Report, While younger in age compared to iconic cricketing venues like Chepauk, Eden Gardens, and Feroz Shah Kotla, the Wankhede Stadium holds a treasure trove of unforgettable cricketing moments. Over the years, it has served as the home ground for some of India’s greatest cricketers, etching their legacies in its history.
| Opened | 1974 |
| Capacity | 33,000 |
| Ends | Garware Pavilion End, Tata End |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Time Zone | UTC +05:30 |
| Home to | Mumbai, Mumbai Indians |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Curator | Sudhir Naik |
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 matches scheduled at this venue cricbuzz
| 08:30 GMT | ENG vs RSA, 20th Match |
| 08:30 GMT | RSA vs BAN, 23rd Match |
| 08:30 GMT | IND vs SL, 33rd Match |
| 08:30 GMT | AUS vs AFG, 39th Match |
| 08:30 GMT | TBC vs TBC,1st Semi-final (1st vs 4th) |
Venue History:
Mumbai has witnessed Test matches being played at three distinct venues. The first-ever Test match in India took place at the Bombay Gymkhana in 1933-34, where England faced off against the Indian team. Following the Second World War, the Brabourne Stadium, owned by the Cricket Club of India (CCI), became the city’s second cricketing ground. However, a ticket allocation dispute between the CCI and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) prompted the latter to construct a separate stadium. This new venue was named after the MCA’s president, Barrister Sheshrao Krishnarao Wankhede. Initially, the stadium had a seating capacity of approximately 45,000, and the first Test match at this ground occurred in the 1974-75 season when India hosted West Indies.
Venue Description:
The Wankhede Stadium boasts seven distinct stands, each with its unique identity: the Sunil Gavaskar Stand, North Stand, Vijay Merchant Stand, Sachin Tendulkar Stand, MCA Pavilion, Divecha Pavilion, and Garware Pavilion.
In 1996, the Wankhede Stadium underwent a significant upgrade, including the installation of floodlights to facilitate day and night cricket matches. A second renovation took place in 2010-11, in preparation for the 2011 World Cup. This upgrade temporarily rendered the ground unavailable for domestic and international cricket until February 2011. One of the standout features of the stadium is its suspended cantilever roofs, which provide unobstructed views for spectators. The facility also features 20 elevators serving the North and South stands. After the renovations and the installation of bucket seats, the stadium’s capacity was reduced to approximately 33,000.
Wankhede Pitch Report Cricbuzz
The Wankhede Stadium pitch offers assistance to both pace bowlers and spinners. Its proximity to the Arabian Sea makes it conducive to swing bowling, particularly during the early hours of the day. However, as a Test match progresses, the pitch can transform into a challenging turning track, favoring spinners. In limited-overs cricket, the new ball offers some movement, but the pitch tends to become more batsman-friendly as the innings unfold. The Wankhede Stadium is known for providing great entertainment, especially during T20 cricket matches.
Wankhede Trivia Cricbuzz
One notable piece of trivia is that Bangladesh recorded their lowest ODI total at the Wankhede Stadium, scoring just 115 runs when they faced India during the 1998 season.
Additionally, in 1984-85, Ravi Shastri achieved a remarkable feat by hitting six consecutive sixes in an over off Baroda’s Tilak Raj, on this very ground, en route to the fastest double-hundred in first-class cricket.