As we look forward to future matches at Wankhede, these records serve as a reminder of the high standards set by teams in their pursuit of greatness on the cricket field
New Zealand will take on India in the third and final Test match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on November 1. The Kiwis are aiming for a 3-0 series sweep, having already secured the series 2-0. They have become the first visiting team to win a Test series in India since 2012. Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium has witnessed some remarkable Test matches over the years. Known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate fans, it has hosted moments that leave cricket lovers in awe. Let's explore this iconic venue's top three highest Test team totals.
India vs. England, 2016 - 631 runs
The highest total ever recorded at Wankhede came during the 4th Test of the 2016 series between India and England. Responding to England's opening score of 400, India dominated with an astounding total of 631 runs, an innings characterised by composure, partnerships, and pure class. India's former captain, Virat Kohli, led the charge and crafted a monumental 235. This knock, his then-highest Test score, was adorned with 25 boundaries and a six, showcasing Kohli's unparalleled skill against a quality English attack.
Kohli's masterpiece wasn't the only highlight of India's innings. Murali Vijay set the tone with a well-paced 136 at the top, while Jayant Yadav's remarkable maiden century of 104 from No. 9 became a turning point in the game. Jayant's innings included 15 boundaries, and his incredible 241-run stand with Kohli allowed India to pile up a commanding score.
England's spinners struggled to break through the Kohli-Jayant partnership, and the total of 631 effectively sealed the game. India bowled out England for 195 in the second innings, with Ravichandran Ashwin taking six wickets, securing a memorable innings-and-36-run victory.
India vs. West Indies, 1975 - 604 runs
The second-highest total at Wankhede was set in 1975 when the West Indies toured India. In this high-scoring encounter, the West Indies declared at a staggering 604 for 6, thanks largely to an authoritative 242 from their captain, Clive Lloyd. Facing a challenging Indian bowling attack on a placid pitch, Lloyd's double century stood out for its balance of control and aggression. His innings, featuring 19 fours and four sixes, remain one of the most celebrated captain's knocks in Test cricket history.
Lloyd's efforts were complemented by Roy Fredericks, who contributed a confident 104, and Alvin Kallicharran, who narrowly missed his century with a score of 98. Despite India's best efforts, including a four-wicket haul from Karsan Ghavri, the home team's bowlers struggled to contain the determined West Indies lineup. Bedi, Chandrasekhar, Prasanna, and Solkar tried their best, but their attempts were met with resistance.
In response, India's first innings featured a resolute 102 from Eknath Solkar and notable scores of 86 from Sunil Gavaskar and 95 from Gundappa Viswanath. However, Lance Gibbs' precise spin bowling, with seven wickets for 98 runs, limited India to 406, giving West Indies a substantial lead. The visitors set a target of 404 after their second innings, and India eventually crumbled to 202, sealing a 201-run victory for the West Indies.
India vs. England, 1993 - 591 runs
India's third-highest total at Wankhede was 591 runs against England in February 1993. This match is particularly memorable for Vinod Kambli's stellar performance, scoring a remarkable 224. Playing in only his third Test, Kambli demonstrated exceptional skill and temperament. His innings, lasting 608 minutes and consisting of 23 fours, was not only his maiden century but also a double century, making it a significant achievement for the young batsman.
India's innings were bolstered by contributions from Navjot Sidhu, who scored a gritty 79, and Sachin Tendulkar, who added a composed 78 off 213 balls. Pravin Amre's brisk 57 off 74 deliveries further supported the team's total. Despite a bowling attack led by Phil Tufnell and John Emburey, England struggled to make breakthroughs against India's disciplined batters, and the innings stretched to 189.3 overs.
Kambli's double century set the tone for India's dominance, allowing them to secure a lead and win by an innings and 15 runs. England's second innings yielded only 229, with Robin Smith and Mike Gatting scoring 62 and 61, respectively. Anil Kumble's four wickets and Prabhakar's three concluded the match.
