Wankhede Stadium Mumbai Explained
The history and significance of Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai — home of India's 2011 World Cup win and one of cricket's most iconic venues.
What Is Wankhede Stadium?
Wankhede Stadium in South Mumbai is one of India's premier cricket venues. Built in 1974 and named after Seshrao Wankhede, a former BCCI president, the stadium has a capacity of approximately 33,000. Its compact design and urban location — surrounded by the city of Mumbai — give it an intimate atmosphere that makes it one of the loudest grounds in proportion to its size.
The 2011 World Cup Final
Wankhede Stadium is most famous as the venue for India's 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final victory over Sri Lanka. MS Dhoni's match-winning unbeaten 91 — coming in at number 5 after India slipped to 114-3 chasing 275 — was delivered in front of his home crowd, completing a dream narrative 28 years after India's surprise 1983 triumph. The stadium erupted as Dhoni's six over long-on sealed the title. The scene of tens of thousands of Indian fans celebrating is one of cricket's iconic images.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wankhede Stadium host IPL matches?
Yes — Mumbai Indians use Wankhede Stadium as their home IPL ground. The five-time IPL champion franchise has drawn enormous crowds to the stadium for franchise T20 cricket, particularly for matches involving Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar (during his IPL career).
What is unusual about the Wankhede pitch?
Wankhede pitches have traditionally favoured pace bowling in the first two days of a Test and spin in the latter stages. The proximity to the coast means the ball can swing under overcast conditions. The ground is also known for its dry outfield, which accelerates the ball to the boundary.