Earning a spot on Wankhede Stadium’s honours board is a monumental achievement for any cricketer. With its rich cricketing legacy, the stadium has hosted some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history.
Home to legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, Wankhede Stadium has been a witness to the rise of many cricketing greats, shaping the landscape of international cricket.
Virat Kohli – 235 vs England, 2016
2016 was a defining year for Virat Kohli, as he dominated the Test cricket scene with three double centuries. One of his most memorable knocks came in the fourth Test of the India vs England series at Wankhede. Kohli’s 235 runs, which included 25 fours and one six, was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. His ability to manipulate the crease against spinners helped India post a commanding total.
Vinod Kambli – 224 vs England, 1993
Vinod Kambli’s dream start to his Test career continued with a remarkable 224 against England at his home ground, Wankhede. The left-handed Mumbai batsman, who had already scored four centuries in his first seven Test matches, played a dominant knock that included 23 fours. His double hundred helped India reach a mammoth 591 in their first innings, leading to a comprehensive win by an innings and 15 runs. India also won the series 3-0.
Sunil Gavaskar – 205 vs West Indies, 1978
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest openers, played a marathon innings of 205 against the West Indies at Wankhede in 1978. On a good batting pitch, Gavaskar faced 342 balls, grinding out a gritty double century. His performance, along with Gundappa Viswanath’s half-century, took India to 424 in their first innings. The match ended in a draw, with India responding to West Indies’ 493 with 224/2 in their second innings.
Sourav Ganguly – 173 vs Sri Lanka, 1997
Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s most influential captains, played a stunning knock of 173 against Sri Lanka in Mumbai in 1997. Ganguly’s innings came in the third Test of the series, where India batted first on a pitch conducive to batting. His partnership of 256 runs with Sachin Tendulkar for the fourth wicket helped India reach a total of 512. Ganguly’s performance earned him Player of the Match honors, despite the game ending in a dull draw.
Dilip Vengsarkar – 163 vs Australia, 1986
Dilip Vengsarkar played one of his most memorable innings against Australia in 1986 at Wankhede, scoring an unbeaten 163 runs in the third Test of the series. In response to Australia’s first innings total of 345, Vengsarkar’s knock helped India reach 517 in their first innings. His 163* featured 21 fours and a six, showcasing his elegance and determination. The match ended in a draw, with Australia finishing at 216/2 in their second innings.