Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is one of India’s most iconic cricket venues, hosting numerous memorable performances over the years.
Unlike many Indian pitches known for their slow and low nature, Wankhede stands out due to its red soil, which offers extra bounce and carry. This unique characteristic benefits both bowlers and batsmen, making stroke play more rewarding.
1. Clive Lloyd – 242 vs India, 1975
Clive Lloyd played a career-defining knock of 242* against India in the fifth Test of the 1975 West Indies tour. Batting first in Mumbai, West Indies posted a huge total of 604, with Lloyd anchoring the innings with his unbeaten double hundred. His 242* came off 429 balls and featured 19 fours and four sixes, a dominant performance that set the tone for the match.
2. Virat Kohli – 235 vs England, 2016
2016 was a dream year for Virat Kohli, and his best innings of the year came at Wankhede against England, where he scored 235 runs in India’s first innings. His knock included 25 fours and one six, as he took control of the English bowlers. India won the match comfortably by an innings and 36 runs, with Kohli earning Player of the Match honors for his brilliant performance.
3. Vinod Kambli – 224 vs England, 1993
Vinod Kambli’s explosive 224 against England at his home ground in Mumbai was a standout performance during his dream debut series. His innings, which included 23 fours, helped India to a massive 591 in their first innings. Kambli’s partnership of 194 runs with Sachin Tendulkar for the third wicket was instrumental in India’s dominance. India went on to win the match by an innings and 15 runs, securing a 3-0 series victory.
4. Sunil Gavaskar – 205 vs West Indies, 1978
Sunil Gavaskar, India’s greatest-ever Test opener, played a memorable knock of 205 against the West Indies in Mumbai in 1978. Batting on a flat Wankhede pitch, Gavaskar’s double century helped India post a fighting total of 424 in their first innings. Despite a determined reply from the West Indies, the match ended in a draw, with India responding to the West Indies’ 493 with 224/2 in their second innings.
5. Alvin Kallicharran – 187 vs India, 1978
Alvin Kallicharran played his career-best knock of 187 against India in the first Test of the 1978 series in Mumbai. Chasing India’s formidable first-innings total of 424, Kallicharran’s 187 off 315 balls, which included 25 fours, helped the West Indies reach 493, taking a slender lead. Despite his heroic effort, the match ended in a draw, with the West Indies finishing at 216/2 in their second innings.