Wankhede Stadium — Where India Won the 2011 World Cup
Everything about Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai — home of the 2011 World Cup Final, India's iconic cricket ground, and its sea-breeze pitch conditions.
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of India's most iconic cricket venues and the home of the Mumbai Cricket Association. With a capacity of approximately 33,000, Wankhede is famous for its electric atmosphere, sea-breeze conditions, and as the venue where India lifted the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup under MS Dhoni's captaincy — one of the most celebrated nights in Indian sporting history.
The 2011 World Cup Final
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final was played at Wankhede on 2 April 2011 between India and Sri Lanka. India successfully chased 275 runs, with MS Dhoni hitting the winning six off Nuwan Kulasekara to seal a 6-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare. Dhoni's unbeaten 91 and Gautam Gambhir's 97 were pivotal. The victory ended India's 28-year wait for a World Cup, and the scenes at Wankhede became some of the most iconic images in Indian cricket history.
Pitch Conditions
Wankhede pitches tend to favour batters with true bounce and carry. The proximity to the Arabian Sea means dew is a factor in day-night matches, often making it harder for spinners to grip the ball in the second innings. The ground's size — shorter boundaries than many Test venues — contributes to high scores and makes it a batter-friendly environment.
Sachin Tendulkar Connection
Wankhede Stadium has a special connection to Sachin Tendulkar, who was born in Mumbai and began his cricket career at the nearby Azad Maidan. Tendulkar played his final Test match at Wankhede in November 2013 against West Indies, retiring to a standing ovation from a packed stadium. The North Stand at Wankhede has since been renamed the Sachin Tendulkar Stand.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Wankhede famous?
Wankhede is most famous as the venue for the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final, where India beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets to win their second World Cup. It was also the ground where Sachin Tendulkar played his final Test match in 2013.
What are pitch conditions like at Wankhede?
Wankhede typically offers true bounce and carry, favouring batters and pace bowlers. Dew in evening sessions makes spin bowling difficult. The shorter boundaries contribute to high scoring.