Wankhede Stadium serves as the players’ temple since Mumbai has a history of attracting cricket fans and is still regarded as the nation’s cricket capital. 33,108 people can fit in the stadium after the renovation to host the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The capacity was around 45,000 before the refurbishment.
Several high-profile cricket matches have previously taken place in the stadium, among which was the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final, in which India overcame Sri Lanka to become the first nation to win the tournament at home. The final match of the legend Sachin Tendulkar’s international career was played at the stadium. The game in which Ravi Shastri struck six sixes in an over was also held at the same stadium.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), India’s national cricket regulating body, has its offices at the Wankhede Stadium. The Mumbai Indians of the Indian Premier League and the Mumbai Ranji Trophy Team call it their residence.
History of the Venue
Seshrao Krishnarao Wankhede, a well-known politician and the secretary of the Bombay Cricket Association in 1975, gave the order to build Wankhede Stadium. It is reported that a disagreement between the Cricket Club of India and the Bombay Cricket Association led S. K. Wankhede to decide to construct a different stadium. The conflict, which erupted after the 1973 test match between India and England, was about the distribution and allotment of tickets for cricket events at the Cricket Club of India-owned Brabourne Stadium. The stadium was built no more than just a mile away.
The stadium was constructed in under six months, which is the most intriguing aspect of Wankhede Stadium. The stadium was named in recognition of the then-President of the Bombay Cricket Association, Barrister S. K. Wankhede, who ordered its construction. After that, all cricket matches hosted in the city were mostly played at the Wankhede Stadium.
The Early Iconics
When the West Indies visited India in 1974–75, the Wankhede Stadium hosted its inaugural game. India lost by 201 runs as Clive Lloyd scored an undefeated 242 in Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi’s final match. A fan who ran onto the pitch to welcome Lloyd was roughed up by the police, which led to a crowd disturbance during the Test.
The first Indian victory at this venue came two seasons after, against New Zealand. The stadium had several notable performances, including Sunil Gavaskar’s 205 against the West Indies, Alvin Kallicharan’s 187 in the same game during the 1978–1979 series, and all-around heroics led by Ian Botham’s hundred and 13 wickets in the Jubilee Test in 1980, which England won by 10 runs.
In only his third Test, Vinod Kambli scored 224 against England in 1992–1993 to hold the record for the highest score by an Indian at Wankhede. On this pitch in the 1984–85 year, Ravi Shastri hit six sixes off Tilak Raj of Baroda on his way to the then-fastest double-hundred in first-class cricket.
The infrastructure of the stadium
The construction of Wankhede Stadium is glory for India in and of itself. The making of Wankhede Stadium is There are a total of 7 gates and 8 stands at the Wankhede Stadium. The following are North Stand, Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion, Vithal Divecha Pavilion, MCA Pavilion, Grand Stand, Garware Pavilion, Vijay Merchant Pavilion, and Sachin Tendulkar Stand.
Polly Umrigar, a first-class player for both Bombay and Gujarat test cricket, and Vinoo Mankad, a superb player who had established the world record for his opening partnership of 413 runs with partner Pankaj Roy in 1956, are honored by having two of the stadium’s gates named in their honor. For the subsequent 52 years, the record could not be surpassed. The stadium’s main entrance is through the Vinoo Mankad gate.
Redevelopment of the Stadium
The Stadium was constructed when only Test Matches were played; however, with the introduction of One Day Cricket and Twenty20 Cricket, the requirements of a Stadium from the perspective of spectators have completely changed.
Since Mumbai was chosen to host the finals of the 2011 ICC World Cup Cricket, which would be hosted by India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, it was decided to renovate the Wankhede Stadium to accommodate contemporary amenities and spectator comfort.
Reputable architects were invited to present, and the Managing Committee chose M/s. Shashi Prabhu & Associates and M/s. P.K. Das & Associates to work together on a project for the renovation of the Wankhede Stadium. Major alterations to the stadium’s design were made to its north and south ends, focusing on improving facilities for fans, such as bucket seating, many restrooms, and food courts.
Wankhede Stadium was being renovated by Mumbai Cricket Association(MCA); However, it wasn’t ready for domestic and international cricket matches until February 2011. To maintain Mumbai Cricket Association attendance at Test and ODI games and foster an efficient partnership with the Cricket Club of India.
Timings and Entry at the Venue
Every day of the week, from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM, the stadium is open. Every time a game is played, the entry fee is the cost of the tickets. There is no admittance fee on days when there are no matches.
Top 5 cricket matches in Wankhede stadium
India vs. South Africa in 2000 – As South Africa did in 2000, hardly many visiting teams have utterly dominated India in a test series. South Africa prevailed 2-0 in the two-match test series, with the second game, in particular, being harsh. However, the opening test at the Wankhede stadium ended up being a low-scoring contest in which neither team managed to score 250 runs.
In the first innings, India amassed a 49-run lead over the opposition owing to skipper Sachin Tendulkar, who shone with both the bat and the ball. This gave India a significant advantage over a bowling haven.
South Africa was in command when chasing 164 to win before the Indian bowlers mounted a late comeback. Anil Kumble claimed four wickets, but the hosts ultimately fell a few runs short as South Africa finished off a suspenseful four-wicket victory.
India vs. Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup Final – Not the closest of games at the Wankhede, but one that would be written down in record eternally as India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets to win their second ODI World Cup at the stadium in 2011.
Mahela Jayawardene’s elegant century helped Sri Lanka, who was bowling first in the match, establish a commanding 274 on the scoreboard. Then, Lasith Malinga shocked the entire stadium by removing openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar from the chase shortly thereafter.
After that, Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni formed a crucial alliance that helped India get back on track. Gambhir was out for 97, but Dhoni, who entered before Yuvraj Singh, continued to bat at the other end and finished the game undefeated on 91.
Every Indian fan will always remember the moment when he scored six over long-on off Nuwan Kulasekera’s bowling to win the championship.
India vs England in 2002 ODI – A series that was clearly in India’s hands saw an astonishing conclusion at the Wankhede in Mumbai when England staged a stunning comeback to win the thrilling match by 5 runs. Along with winning the previous match by two runs, they were able to tie the series 3-3.
With 8 wickets left in the series, India needed just 100 runs to win. Furthermore, they still had more than 20 overs to complete the chase, giving them plenty of time, but that’s when England launched a valiant comeback.
India vs West Indies in 2011 Test Match – India had already won the series 2-0 when this Test match started, and they were now focused on the Australian tour. But the dead rubber ended up being the finest game of the series because spectators got to see some fantastic action on the last day.
A match with tied scores finished in a draw for just the second time in Test history.
The West Indies brought things back and reduced the hosts, who were leading the chase at 101 for 1, to 189 for 6. Virat Kohli gave India some momentum with a half-century, but although he was eventually dismissed, the game seemed headed for an exciting conclusion.
When attempting a second run, Ashwin was run out after hitting the final ball toward Long.
India nevertheless won the series 2-0, making history.
India vs E.ngland in 2012 Test – Every Indian fan would remember this Test match for many years to come, but not for the right reasons. India went one step further after destroying the visiting English squad in the first Test and constructed a rank spinner at the Wankhede to further humiliate the guests.
However, it backfired as Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar led England’s comeback by making the most of the circumstances. Cheteshwar Pujara’s 135.0 helped India score 327 in their opening innings.
Alastair Cook, the captain, and Kevin Pietersen each hit plenty of runs in response, giving the opponents an 87-run advantage after the first inning. Cook put up a lot of effort to score 122, but Pietersen was tough on the bowlers and went on to hit an impressive 186.
In the second innings, nine Indian batsmen scored under ten runs as Panesar and Swann ran riot, dismissing India for just 142, leaving England with just 57 runs to chase. The series was tied 1-1 after the openers easily scored the runs.
Places to explore near the stadium
St. Thomas Cathedral – This 300-year-old landmark building, which is the city’s oldest church, has witnessed many important historical events. The quantity of historical information that comes to light during a tour of the cathedral would be flattering to a history and architecture enthusiast.
Gateway of India – During the 20th century, the arch monument served as a metaphor for India’s magnificent entry. The Gateway offers the best sunrises while balways beingcrowded with visitors and locals.
Marine Drive – Take a stroll along the promenade, which was previously left unfinished as a result of a failed project but has now developed into one of India’s most recognizable locations. Nobody who travels to Mumbai can leave without strolling along Marine Drive, often known as the Queen’s Necklace.
Location of the Stadium
Near Churchgate Station in South Mumbai is the Wankhede Stadium. The stadium is relatively accessible from all parts of the city, thanks to its placement in the heart of Mumbai’s main business center.