The Wankhede Stadium holds a significant place in Indian cricket history, having hosted numerous iconic international matches, with the 2011 World Cup final being one of the most cherished by Indian fans.
Known as a “graveyard for bowlers” in limited-overs cricket, Wankhede has also witnessed remarkable bowling performances in Test cricket. The Mumbai-based stadium offers a balanced playing field, benefiting both fast bowlers and spinners.
The sea breeze that sweeps through the stadium aids fast bowlers by providing swing and seam movement. The pitch, with its red soil composition, adds extra bounce and carry, creating chances for close-in fielders during spinnerâs deliveries.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin â 6/112 vs England, 2016
Ravichandran Ashwinâs stellar figures of 6/112 came during the first innings of the fourth Test in Englandâs 2016 tour of India at the Wankhede. Leading the series 2-0, India aimed to seal the win, and Ashwin played a crucial role. Despite a good batting pitch, Ashwin’s disciplined performance helped restrict England to 400 runs. He claimed key wickets of Joe Root and Ben Stokes, contributing to Indiaâs eventual victory by an innings and 36 runs.
4. Laxman Sivaramakrishnan â 6/64 vs England, 1984
Laxman Sivaramakrishnanâs remarkable 6/64 came during the first innings of the Mumbai Test in Englandâs 1984 tour of India. England opted to bat first but were outfoxed by Sivaramakrishnanâs leg-spin, managing only 195 runs. He took crucial wickets, including Mike Gatting and Graeme Flower. India comfortably chased down a 48-run target in the second innings, with Sivaramakrishnan being named Player of the Match.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin â 6/55 vs England, 2016
Ashwin followed up his first-innings 6/112 with another outstanding performance in the second innings of the same Test, finishing with 6/55. His efforts helped India dismiss England for just 195 runs, sealing the win by an innings. This performance was a key factor in Indiaâs dominant victory.
2. Pragyan Ojha â 6/47 vs West Indies, 2011
Pragyan Ojha’s 6/47 against the West Indies in the 2011 Test at Wankhede remains one of the most memorable performances. With the West Indies struggling to build a substantial lead, Ojhaâs brilliant spell helped bowl them out for 134 in the second innings. India chased down the target of 243, but the match is also remembered for a dramatic final ball, where India fell just short of a win, with Ashwin run out on the last delivery.
1. Harbhajan Singh â 7/48 vs West Indies, 2002
Harbhajan Singh holds the record for the best bowling performance by an Indian at Wankhede. In the first Test of the West Indiesâ 2002 tour of India, Harbhajan’s incredible 7/48 in the second innings destroyed West Indies’ hopes of a comeback. India had already gained a massive 400-run lead, and the West Indies were bundled out for just 188 runs, with India winning by an innings and 112 runs.