PitchVaani’s Wankhede Stadium history guide traces the ground’s 1974 construction, first international matches, 2011 redevelopment and modern Mumbai cricket milestones.
Wankhede Stadium grew from an administrative dispute into Mumbai’s principal international cricket venue. These five milestones explain how the ground was built, how it entered Test and one-day cricket, and why its modern identity is inseparable from some of India’s most memorable matches.
A ticket-allocation and control dispute between the Bombay Cricket Association and the Cricket Club of India made a separate association-owned ground a priority. Under president Barrister Sheshrao Wankhede, land near Churchgate was secured and the new stadium was completed in less than a year. The venue opened in 1974 and took Wankhede’s name.
Wankhede’s first Test was India against West Indies in January 1975. West Indies won by 201 runs, but the match established the venue on the international calendar. India recorded its first Test victory at the ground against New Zealand in November 1976, giving the new stadium an early home-team landmark.
In January 1985, Ravi Shastri struck six sixes in an over during a Ranji Trophy match at Wankhede and reached a double century in 123 minutes. The ground staged its first ODI on 17 January 1987 when India beat Sri Lanka by ten runs. Floodlights followed in 1996, preparing the stadium for major day-night cricket.
Wankhede was substantially redeveloped before the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The work introduced individual seating, improved player and media facilities, additional exits, better drainage and a cantilever roof designed to reduce obstructed views. On 2 April 2011, India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets here to win the World Cup final.
Sachin Tendulkar played his 200th and final Test at Wankhede in November 2013. In December 2021, New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel became only the third bowler in Test history to take all ten wickets in an innings. During the 2023 World Cup, Glenn Maxwell scored 201 not out against Afghanistan and India won its semi-final against New Zealand at the same venue.
Wankhede Stadium is located at D Road, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020. It sits in South Mumbai near the Marine Drive waterfront, with Churchgate serving as the nearest practical suburban railway and metro landmark. Match-day access, gates and traffic arrangements can change by event.
