Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. NZ Test: A Look at Top Five India's Bowling Prowess at Wankhede ft. Ashwin

Wankhede Stadium has witnessed iconic bowling feats that showcase India's dominance at home

New Zealand and India are set for a thrilling clash at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on November 1, closing the Test series. The Kiwis, already leading 2-0, aim for a historic 3-0 sweep, becoming the first visiting team to secure a Test series win in India since 2012. For Indian fans, Wankhede holds special memories—from India's 2011 ODI World Cup victory to Ravi Shastri's legendary commentary echoing in their hearts.

Known for high-scoring contests in limited overs, this ground reveals its other side in Tests. Positioned by the Arabian Sea, Wankhede's sea breeze aids swing, while its red soil adds bounce and turns. Over the years, it has hosted unforgettable bowling performances. Here, we revisit the top five Test feats by Indian bowlers at Wankhede.

Ashwin's spin symphony – 6/112 vs. England, 2016

In 2016, during the fourth Test against England, Ashwin's 6/112 showcased his spin mastery on Wankhede's red-soil pitch. England batted first on a decent surface, but Ashwin's pinpoint control restricted them to 400. His haul included key scalps like Joe Root and Ben Stokes, turning the tide India's way. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja combined to dismiss England's lineup, giving India a solid advantage. Virat Kohli's double century further cemented India's dominance, leading to an innings and 36-run victory and an unassailable 3-0 series lead.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan's magic spin spell – 6/64 vs. England, 1984

The 1984 Test saw Laxman Sivaramakrishnan spin magic with his 6/64. England, opting to bat, couldn't handle the leg-spinner's vicious turn, crumbling to 195. Sivaramakrishnan's figures stunned the English batters, including top-order players like Mike Gatting and Graeme Fowler. His sharp turn left England scrambling as India coasted to a simple chase of 48 in the final innings with eight wickets remaining. Sivaramakrishnan's extraordinary spell earned him the Player of the Match title, showcasing the Wankhede's potential to assist spinners on a good day.

Double trouble: Ashwin strikes again – 6/55 vs. England, 2016

Ashwin returned with another memorable six-wicket haul at Wankhede in the same 2016 Test. His 6/55 in the second innings sealed England's fate, restricting them to just 195 runs. England struggled to counter Ashwin's sharp turn and bounce, failing to build on their first innings. This performance and his first-innings heroics allowed India to secure a commanding innings win. Ashwin's dominance was instrumental in clinching the series for India, as his tactical brilliance outsmarted England's best, underscoring his mastery on home soil.

Pragyan Ojha's six-wicket thriller– 6/47 vs. West Indies, 2011

Pragyan Ojha's 6/47 against West Indies in 2011 remains unforgettable. This third Test was filled with drama, ending in a last-ball draw. Ojha dismantled the West Indies lineup in the second innings, picking up crucial wickets, including Darren Bravo. His efforts restricted the visitors to just 134. India's subsequent chase led to a dramatic finish, where they needed two runs off the final ball but fell short as Ravi Ashwin was run out. Ojha's precision with the ball kept India's hopes alive in one of Wankhede's most memorable Tests.

Harbhajan Singh's historic spell – 7/48 vs. West Indies, 2002

Harbhajan Singh's 7/48 in 2002 remains the best Test bowling performance by an Indian at Wankhede. This spell came against the West Indies during the second innings after India enforced the follow-on with a lead of over 400 runs. Harbhajan's aggressive spin decimated the visitors, bundling them out for 188. His feat wiped out any hopes of a West Indies resurgence, clinching an innings and 112-run victory for India. Harbhajan's memorable spell highlighted his ability to exploit Wankhede's turn, securing his name among the ground's legends.