The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is one of the premier cricket venues in India and a revered home ground to the Mumbai Indians (MI) at IPL matches. With plenty of thrilling close-finish games, record-breaking innings, and unforgettable moments, the history of the IPL has been shaped and cemented at the Wankhede Stadium. From explosive centuries to dramatic finishes, the Wankhede Stadium has come to symbolize excitement, energy, and excellence. It’s with this in mind that the article will review English Premier League records of the Wankhede Stadium, including team records, individual records, pitch behaviour, highest and lowest team totals, and more.
Background to Wankhede Stadium
Established near Marine Drive, in Southern Mumbai, Maharashtra in 1974, the Wankhede Stadium is a historical venue that has hosted many memorable matches. One such match is the ICC Cricket World Cup Final, when India lifted the trophy under MS Dhoni in 2011. In the IPL, Wankhede Stadium is the home ground of the Mumbai Indians, who are one of the most successful teams in IPL history. The Wankhede Stadium is renowned for its passionate fans and shorter boundary lines. The stadium is generally a batter’s paradise, however if bowlers play smartly, they can be effective if they go with the pitch on the day.
Key Facts:
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Established: 1974
- Capacity: Around 33,000 spectators
- Home Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
- First IPL Match: April 20, 2008
Wankhede Stadium in IPL: An Overview
Since the launch of the IPL in 2008, a host of high-energy games have been played at Wankhede. The pitch here is known for its batting-friendly conditions when you throw in some help for the seamers in the early overs, aided by the coastal humidity and sea breeze.
The average first innings total at Wankhede in IPL matches tends to sit around 170-180 runs, thus making it one of the most run-heavy venues in the tournament. The short boundaries and fast outfield have yielded explosive T20 play, chiefly by the MI, who has been the most potent attacking side here.
Wankhede Stadium IPL Records: Team Stats
(a) Matches Played
As the home ground of the Mumbai Indians, the majority of IPL matches played at Wankhede have been by MI. Their knowledge of the pitch and local conditions gives them a distinct advantage.
- Team with Most Matches at Wankhede: Mumbai Indians
- Total IPL Matches Played: 70+
- Winning Percentage: 60%+
(b) Highest Team Totals
Wankhede has witnessed some of the highest-ever totals in IPL history and is still known for several of these eye-popping batting performances over the years. The flat pitch and short square boundaries often make for tough operations for bowlers.
| Team | Score | Opponent | Year |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 235/1 | Mumbai Indians | 2015 |
| Mumbai Indians | 223/6 | Kings XI Punjab | 2017 |
| Delhi Capitals | 219/4 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2018 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 218/4 | Rajasthan Royals | 2021 |
The RCB’s 235/1 is among the highest scoring total at Wankhede IPL in history with an explosive innings of 133* from AB de Villiers and also 82* from Virat Kohli.
(c) Lowest Team Totals
Despite being a batting friendly place, Wankhede has seen teams completely crumble under pressure.
| Team | Score | Opponent | Year |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 67 | Mumbai Indians | 2008 |
| Delhi Daredevils | 87 | Mumbai Indians | 2018 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 96 | Mumbai Indians | 2019 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 92 | Mumbai Indians | 2022 |
These low scores often feature teams that simply cannot deal with the swing and seam during the evening matches under lights.
(d) Highest Successful Runs Chase
Due to the nature of good batting conditions at Wankhede, there have been some incredible run chases.
- Highest Successful Chase: 198/7 by Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab – 2019
- Average 2nd Innings Score: ~165
The Wankhede crowd often has had a significant impact on MI players and their ability to perform great under pressure.
Individual IPL Records at Wankhede Stadium
(a) Most Runs at Wankhede
Wankhede has been home to some of the most consistent IPL batsmen, especially for the Mumbai Indians.
| Player | Runs | Matches | Team |
| Rohit Sharma | 1800+ | 60+ | Mumbai Indians |
| Kieron Pollard | 1100+ | 55+ | Mumbai Indians |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 1000+ | 40+ | Mumbai Indians |
| Virat Kohli | 900+ | 20+ | RCB |
Rohit Sharma, the local boy and MI captain, has made Wankhede his fortress, scoring runs with grace and power.
(b) Most Wickets at Wankhede
Bowlers have had to work hard on this surface, but some have mastered the art of bowling smartly here.
| Bowler | Wickets | Matches | Team |
| Lasith Malinga | 68 | 45 | Mumbai Indians |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 55 | 40 | Mumbai Indians |
| Harbhajan Singh | 45 | 38 | Mumbai Indians |
| Dwayne Bravo | 40 | 30 | Chennai Super Kings/Mumbai Indians |
Malinga’s deadly yorkers and Bumrah’s precision have made them legends at this ground.
(c) Highest Individual Scores
Some unforgettable innings have been played at this venue.
| Player | Runs | Balls | Team | Opponent | Year |
| AB de Villiers | 133* | 59 | RCB | MI | 2015 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 114* | 48 | MI | CSK | 2008 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 103* | 51 | MI | RCB | 2023 |
| Lendl Simmons | 100 | 61 | MI | KXIP | 2014 |
Each of these knocks reflects the aggressive, fearless batting that defines Wankhede cricket.
(d) Best Bowling Figures
Wankhede might favor batters, but a few bowlers have made headlines here.
| Bowler | Figures | Team | Opponent | Year |
| Harbhajan Singh | 5/18 | MI | CSK | 2011 |
| Lasith Malinga | 5/13 | MI | DD | 2011 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 4/14 | MI | KKR | 2020 |
| Sunil Narine | 4/15 | KKR | MI | 2019 |
Memorable IPL Matches at Wankhede Stadium
Wankhede Stadium has witnessed mercurial events, some of which will remain woven into the fabric of IPL history for eternity. A glimpse at some of the stands out games highlights.
1. MI vs CSK Final (2013)
Mumbai Indians claimed their first IPL title against Chennai Super Kings, led by Rohit Sharma. Malinga and Johnson’s wickets in the first two overs and the explosive performances by Pollard defined this victory.
2. AB de Villiers Masterclass (2015)
One of the best innings ever played in the IPL will go down as AB de Villiers’ 133* off 59 balls against MI. The 3500 crowd, which included Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, saw Kohli’s 82* and a mammoth RCB total of 235/1.
3. MI vs RR Nail Biter (2014)
It was a do or die business for MI as they scrambled to secure their playoff qualification position. With MI chasing 190+ in 14.4 overs, Corey Anderson’s 95* remains one of the IPL’s most dramatic finishes.
4. MI vs DC (2020)
With IPL 2020 returning to India, MI fans were treated to Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan delivering consistent match-winning contributions at Wankhede.
The Pitch and Conditions at Wankhede
The Wankhede is well-known for its red soil pitch that offers:
- Reliable bounce and carry for batsmen
- Occasional swing for fast bowlers during the first overs due to the coastal breeze
- Plenty of grip and turn for spinners later in the match
The dew factor is important for games played at night, and therefore, makes it easier to chase down totals. Teams that win the toss often choose to chase in such conditions.
Wankhede and Mumbai Indians’ Home Strength
- For the Mumbai Indians, Wankhede is more than just a stadium – it is their fortress, as they have done exceptionally well in telling the conditions, to create a home ground advantage.
- Total Matches: 70+
- Wins: 40+
- Win Percentage: ~60%
With the Mumbai top order so positive, especially led by players like Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya (when he was part of MI), MI often set massive totals. Bowlers such as Bumrah and Malinga batted superbly on the pitch to defend those totals.
Notable IPL Finals and Events at Wankhede
Wankhede has hosted a series of notable IPL finals, such as:
- IPL 2011 Final: CSK v RCB
- IPL 2013 Final: MI v CSK
- IPL 2018 Final: CSK v SRH
- IPL 2023 Final (relocated to Ahmedabad due to rain)
In particular, the IPL 2013 Final was significant for MI, as it was their first-ever IPL victory that took place on home ground.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
Few places on the planet can produce the electric atmosphere Wankhede provides. The sea breeze, the chants of “Mumbai! Mumbai!” from the crowds, and the spectacle of cricket makes it a true carnival. The supporters are not only passionate, but they show superb sportsmanship as well, regardless of whether it’s Rohit Sharma hitting a boundary or Bumrah taking a wicket.
IPL Future at Wankhede
While the IPL will continue to grow with more and more teams, Wankhede will always remain a focal point for Indian cricket. The Mumbai Cricket Association will not stop at its present facilities and will only continue to upgrade and improve so that the experience for players and spectators alike is world-class. As the T20 format spreads and continues to develop over time, Wankhede will continue to produce opportunities to create memories that will shape the future of the one of the greatest games.
Quick Summary Table: Wankhede Stadium IPL Records
| Category | Record Holder / Stat |
| Highest Team Total | RCB – 235/1 vs MI (2015) |
| Lowest Team Total | KKR – 67 vs MI (2008) |
| Highest Individual Score | AB de Villiers – 133* (2015) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Lasith Malinga – 5/13 (2011) |
| Most Runs at Venue | Rohit Sharma – 1800+ |
| Most Wickets at Venue | Lasith Malinga – 68 |
| Highest Successful Chase | MI – 198/7 vs KXIP (2019) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 175–180 |
| Win % for MI | ~60% |
Conclusion
More than just a cricket venue, the Wankhede Stadium encapsulates the spirit and absolute love for cricket that defines Mumbai. With a scintillating mix of history, nail-biting drama, and cricketing passion, this is one of the most recognised arenas of the IPL. From Rohit Sharma as the captain, to the yorkers of Bumrah, from being spellbound by AB de Villiers’ innings, to last-ball thrillers, the Wankhede Stadium has given cricket fans moments to remember for a lifetime.
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