Wankhede stadium pitch report, history, records, capacity and other details related to Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
The Wankhede Stadium, though younger compared to old-world venues like Chepauk, Eden Gardens, and Feroz Shah Kotla, holds a treasure trove of cherished memories in the world of cricket. Many legendary cricketers have graced this ground with their presence.
Wankhede Stadium History:
Mumbai has witnessed Test matches at three different places. The first-ever Test in India took place at the Bombay Gymkhana in 1933-34, against England. After World War II, the Brabourne Stadium of the Cricket Club of India (CCI) became the city’s second cricket venue. However, a dispute between CCI and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) led to the construction of a separate stadium, which was named after the MCA’s president, Barrister Sheshrao Krishnarao Wankhede.
Initially, the stadium could accommodate around 45,000 spectators. The first Test match was held during the 1974-75 season when West Indies toured India.
Wankhede Stadium Description:
Wankhede has seven distinctive stands: Sunil Gavaskar Stand, North Stand, Vijay Merchant Stand, Sachin Tendulkar Stand, MCA Pavilion, Divecha Pavilion, and Garware Pavilion.
In 1996, the stadium underwent an upgrade, including the installation of floodlights for day and night matches. A significant renovation occurred in 2010-11 before the 2011 World Cup, rendering the ground unavailable for domestic and international cricket until February 2011.
One of the stadium’s notable features is its suspended cantilever roofs, which provide unobstructed views for spectators. There are 20 elevators servicing the North and South stands. After the renovations and installation of bucket seats, the capacity of Stadium was reduced to around 33,000.
Also Read: List of ICC Trophies won by India (2023)
Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report:
The Wankhede pitch offers assistance to both pace bowlers and spinners. Its proximity to the Arabian Sea benefits swing bowlers, especially during the early hours of the day. However, spinners come into their own during the latter stages of a Test match when the pitch turns into a challenging surface for batsmen.
In limited-overs cricket, the new ball initially provides some assistance, but as the innings progresses, the pitch tends to favour the batsmen. The stadium is known for its exciting T20 matches.
Trivia Facts:
– One interesting trivia is that Bangladesh scored their lowest ODI total at this stadium, managing only 115 runs when they played against India during the 1998 season.
-Another notable historical moment occurred in 1984-85 when Ravi Shastri hit six consecutive sixes in an over off Baroda’s Tilak Raj, achieving the fastest double-hundred in first-class cricket at Wankhede Stadium.
Wankhede Stadium Capacity:
The Wankhede Stadium has a seating capacity of 33,000, but for World Cup matches, approximately 30,000 spectators can be accommodated, accounting for seat wastage due to sight-screen extensions and giant screens.
Also Read: Ind Vs Pak ODI World Cup History
Wankhede Stadium Records:
Wankhede Stadium records showcase an eventful cricket history. Notably, in ODIs, the venue witnessed a close win ratio, while Test matches saw significant competition. In T20s, it hosted high-scoring matches, reflecting its dynamic cricketing environment. All format wise details given below.
Wankhede Stadium ODI records:
Total matches | 31 |
Matches won batting first | 16 |
Matches won bowling first | 15 |
Average 1st Inns scores | 243 |
Average 2nd Inns scores | 201 |
Highest total | 438/4 |
Lowest total | 79/10 |
Also Read: Most Runs in Single ICC World Cup Tournament
Wankhede Stadium T20 records:
Total matches | 9 |
Matches won batting first | 4 |
Matches won bowling first | 5 |
Average 1st Inns scores | 185 |
Average 2nd Inns scores | 174 |
Highest total | 240/3 |
Lowest total | 160/10 |
Wankhede Stadium Test records:
Total matches | 27 |
Matches won batting first | 11 |
Matches won bowling first | 8 |
Average 1st Inns scores | 339 |
Average 2nd Inns scores | 335 |
Average 3rd Inns scores | 205 |
Average 4th Inns scores | 131 |
Highest total | 631/10 |
Lowest total | 62/10 |