Wankhede Stadium, a stage for many iconic moments, may once again bear witness to a game-changing display of batting brilliance
As Team India gears up to face New Zealand in the final Test of a three-match series, they’re on the verge of a potential whitewash. A defeat would mean a rare 3-0 series loss on home soil. The stage for this critical encounter is set at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, a ground where many legendary Indian batters have showcased memorable performances. Here’s a look back at the top five individual scores by Indian batters at Wankhede in Test cricket.
One of India’s stalwart batters from the late 1970s to the 1980s, Dilip Vengsarkar delivered a brilliant, unbeaten 163 against Australia in 1986 at Wankhede. During the third Test of that series, Vengsarkar came in with India trailing Australia’s first innings score of 345. His knock, featuring 21 boundaries and a six, guided India to a solid total of 517. Vengsarkar’s resilient innings ensured India avoided defeat, as Australia finished the match at 216/2 in their second innings, leading to a draw.
In 1997, Sourav Ganguly led from the front with a remarkable 173-run innings against Sri Lanka at Wankhede. His relentless attack on the Sri Lankan bowling line-up in the third Test propelled India to an imposing 512 in the first innings. Teaming up with Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly added 256 runs for the fourth wicket, a partnership that showcased his tactical brilliance. Despite Ganguly’s Player of the Match performance, the match ended in a draw, with Sri Lanka managing a defensive 166/7 in pursuit of 333.
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s most celebrated openers, demonstrated his classic technique in a memorable knock of 205 against the West Indies in 1978. Facing a fierce Caribbean bowling attack, Gavaskar played a methodical innings that laid the foundation for India’s total of 424. His double century scored off 342 balls and displayed patience and skill, setting a benchmark for Indian openers. The game, however, ended in a draw, with India scoring 224/2 in their second innings after a West Indies lead of 493.
Mumbai’s own Vinod Kambli made a stunning start to his Test career, with four centuries in his first seven matches. His standout innings of 224 against England in 1993 at Wankhede remain one of the stadium’s best. Batting against a formidable English attack, Kambli’s 224 was instrumental in India reaching a mammoth 591. His fluent innings included 23 boundaries, guiding India to an innings and 15-run victory. Kambli’s stellar knock helped seal the three-match series 3-0, showcasing his early promise on the grand stage.
In 2016, Virat Kohli was in the form of his life, scoring three double centuries in a single year. Among these was a majestic 235 against England in the fourth Test of the 2016 series at Wankhede. Kohli’s attacking strategy, marked by 25 fours and a six, kept the English bowlers under constant pressure. His 235-run knock was pivotal in India’s innings victory by 36 runs, and Kohli earned the Player of the Match award. His tactical use of the crease, particularly against spinners, made this a landmark innings.