Wankhede Stadium is not just a cricket venue-it’s a tribute to legends. As of 2025, five stands bear the names of cricketing giants who shaped India’s journey on the field. This unique tradition continues to blend sporting excellence with history, giving fans a chance to sit under greatness.
The birth of wankhede stadium
Wankhede Stadium came to life in 1974, born from a ticketing dispute between the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and the Cricket Club of India (CCI). The MCA, led by Barrister Seshrao Krishnarao Wankhede, built the stadium in just six months. It was inaugurated in January 1975 with a Test against West Indies.
Named after its visionary builder, Seshrao Wankhede, the stadium replaced Brabourne as Mumbai’s home for cricket.
Why named after wankhede?
Seshrao Wankhede ensured Mumbai had its own world-class stadium. His leadership resolved a deep-rooted conflict with the CCI. The MCA named the stadium after him in gratitude, preserving his legacy through this iconic venue.
Honouring cricket icons through stands
Wankhede honours five Indian legends through stand names, each reflecting an unmatched contribution:
Sunil gavaskar stand
A salute to the “Little Master” who scored 1,122 Test runs at Wankhede, including a double century against West Indies in 1978–79. Named in the 1980s or 1990s.
Vijay merchant stand
Celebrates Mumbai’s early cricket pioneer and Ranji Trophy hero. Merchant’s elegant batting shaped Bombay’s cricketing dominance.
Sachin tendulkar stand
Named in 2001 after he crossed 10,000 ODI runs. Located above the MCA Pavilion, it marked Tendulkar’s 100th Test at his home ground.
Rohit sharma stand
Inaugurated on 13 May 2025. It honours Sharma’s captaincy during the 2024 T20 World Cup win and his 19,700 international runs.
Ajit wadekar stand
Named in May 2025, it commemorates Wadekar’s 1971 Test series victories in England and the West Indies as captain.
Naming process: who decides?
The MCA manages the naming process through official meetings like the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Steps include:
- Proposing eligible names based on achievements.
- Committee review and approval.
- Public ceremonies mark the official naming.
In 2025, decisions for Sharma and Wadekar stands were finalised during the 86th AGM.
When did it all begin?
The tradition likely began in the 1980s–1990s with Gavaskar and Merchant. Tendulkar’s stand was added in 2001. In 2025, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Wadekar joined this elite league as Wankhede turned 50.
Notable moments at wankhede
- 1984–85: Ravi Shastri hits six sixes in an over.
- 2011: MS Dhoni’s winning six clinches the World Cup for India.
- 2013: Tendulkar bids farewell to international cricket.
- 2016-17: Virat Kohli scores 235 against England.
The stadium’s modern features
Wankhede was renovated ahead of the 2011 World Cup. Key updates:
- Capacity: Reduced from 45,000 to 33,108.
- Features: Suspended cantilever roof, sea breeze cooling, 20 elevators.
- Pitch: Red soil aids bounce and spin, supporting both batters and bowlers.
More than just cricket
Wankhede is also a cultural hub:
- 2014: Venue for Maharashtra’s government swearing-in.
- Cinema: Featured in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.
- 2025: Set a Guinness World Record by forming the largest sentence using 14,505 cricket balls.
Cricketer stands summary
| Cricketer | Stand Name | Contribution | Year Named |
| Sunil Gavaskar | Sunil Gavaskar Stand | 1,122 Test runs, Bombay School legacy | 1980s/90s |
| Vijay Merchant | Vijay Merchant Stand | Early Mumbai hero, Ranji Trophy success | 1980s/90s |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Sachin Tendulkar Stand | 10,000 ODI runs, 831 Test runs at ground | 2001 |
| Rohit Sharma | Rohit Sharma Stand | 2024 T20 WC win, 19,700 international runs | 2025 |
| Ajit Wadekar | Ajit Wadekar Stand | 1971 overseas Test series wins | 2025 |
Wankhede Stadium is more than a cricket ground. It’s a museum of Indian cricketing pride. Its named stands keep the memory of legends alive, while the pitch continues to shape new heroes. As fans fill the seats, they sit not just in stands-but in history.
