Introduction
Cricket Stadiums in the modern day have a major part to play in the game. The more the capacity of the stadium the fans will be engaged more and they can fully cheer their own nation or franchise cricket teams. Over the years there have been iconic moments that the fans have witnessed in some of the greatest stadiums across the world.
Among some of the best stadiums in the world Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is also one of the iconic cricket stadiums in India. The stadium is located next to Marine Drive and has witnessed some of the greatest cricket matches in the history of the game. Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) owns and operates Wankhede. It is the home stadium of the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Maharashtra Ranji Team as well. The Indian team also plays in this venue.
History of Wankhede Stadium
Wankhede Stadium was constructed after the chaos between the CCI and the MCA. CCI owns Brabourne Stadium over the allocation of tickets for cricket matches. The incident became more severe after the Test between India and England in 1973. The stadium was built by S. K. Wankhede, a politician and the secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association. They built a new stadium in South Mumbai near the Churchgate station. They appointed Shashi Prabhu & Associates as their architects and B.E. Billimoria & Co. as the contractors.
The stadium was named Wankhede in 1974 in the honour of the politician. It was built after 13 months and opened in time for the final Test between India and the West Indies in 1975. They staged its first Test in the 1974–75 season when the West Indies toured India. In 1996, the stadium underwent its first upgrade. During which, floodlights were installed to provide excellent lighting to host the day and night cricket matches.
Then the stadium was again reconstructed to provide modern facilities and comfort for the spectators. The Managing Committee requested presentations from reputable architects and chose M/s. P.K. Das & Associates and M/s. Shashi Prabhu & Associates to collaborate on a project for the reconstruction of the Wankhede Stadium.
Seating Capacity of Wankhede Stadium
The seating capacity of Wankhede Stadium is 33,108. This was done following renovations for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Before the upgrade, the capacity of the stadium was around 45,000. It has seven different stands – Sunil Gavaskar Stand, North Stand, Vijay Merchant Stand, Sachin Tendulkar Stand, MCA Pavilion, Divecha Pavilion, and Garware Pavilion. All the names of the stands are made in memory of the former Mumbai cricketers.
It has suspended cantilever roofs which is one of the stadium’s most eye-catching features. No beam supports on the rooftops provide a better view for spectators. The stadium includes 20 elevators for the north and south stands. Following the renovation and installation of bucket seats as well.
Wankhede Stadium Pitch
The wicket is made of local red soil which gives extra bounce. It makes batting slightly easier. This has been a batting paradise over the years. It is close to the Arabian sea helps the swing bowlers considerably, especially during the early hours of the day. After the early swing, the batters ease out and favours as the innings progress.
However in test cricket spinners come to benefit in the last two days of a Test match, as the surface transforms into a vicious turner. The pitch came into serious criticism during the 4th test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2004 where the test match ended in just around two-and-a-half days.
Notable Matches Held at Wankhede Stadium
There have been many notable and memorable matches that have taken place in the iconic stadium. From 1974-75 West Indies game to the final of the 2011 ODI World Cup. It has witnessed some of the greatest cricketers to take the field from Sachin Tendulkar to Alvin Kalicharan. Here we will take on some notable matches at the Wankhede Stadium;
5. England vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2016
South Africa and England faced off in the super 10 of the 2016 T20 World Cup. Batting first the Proteas scored a massive total of 229 runs. Openers Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock, along with JP Duminy, helped South Africa to post 229. Chasing a target of 230 runs, they scored 50 runs in the three overs. Joe Root’s explosive 83 off 44 balls led the charge. South African made a short comeback. However the Three Lions clinched a scintillating two-wicket victory.
4. Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2014
MI played Rajasthan Royals in the all important clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014. After losing all 5 in the first leg which was in the UAE. MI needed to chase down 190 runs in just 15 overs to qualify for the playoffs. They chased down the target in just Corey Anderson’s explosive 95 runs off 44 balls to set the platform for the team. It is marked as one of the best chase in the history of the franchise league.
3. India vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2016
The Men in Blue faced West Indies in the T20 World Cup 2016 semi-final. Batting first India scored 192 runs in their 20 overs with Virat Kohli scoring 89 off 47 deliveires. Openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane stitched a 62 runs partnership for the first wicket. However, the Windies chased down the target with two balls to spare. Lendl Simmons and Johnson Charles scoring fifties.
2. India vs New Zealand, ODI World Cup 2023
The Men in Blue faced New Zealand in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Men in Blue posted a massive total of 397/4 in their 50 overs. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer scored centuries respectibely. Shubman Gill played a knock of 80 runs and two firing knocks of captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul helped India to post a big total.
Chasing a target of 397 runs the Kiwis did not get the best off starts but Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson stitched a partnership 181 runs. Mitchell’s 134 run effort went in vain and they were bowled out for 327 runs. India qualifying for the final of the ODI World Cup after 2011.
1. India vs Sri Lanka, ODI World Cup 2011
India faced Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup 2011 final. They clinched their second ODI World Cup title in 2011. Chasing Sri Lanka’s fighting total of 274. The Men in Blue while chasing lost their two openers early. Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni orchestrated a crucial partnership that changed the course of the match. Gambhir scored a 97 runs falling three run short of his century. However, Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 that propelled India to victory.
Upcoming Matches at Wankhede Stadium
There are three forthcoming matches in the stadium. The first game will be Mumbai facing the Rest of India in the upcoming Irani Cup in October 1st 2024. Next India will be taking on New Zealand in the 3rd Test of the series on November 1st. Then India will be playing the 5th T20I game against England on February 2025.
