Cricket is all about the love and passion the game gets from its fans. Some of the most historic moments come at the crossroads of the roar and cheers of millions of cricket fans around the world. When it comes to Indian cricket, the fans are the core of the game. Over the years, one of the country’s most emblematic venues, the Wankhede Stadium has given cricket fans memories they carry throughout their lives. Now, as the stadium turns 50, fans have been recreating an evergreen memory of the past associated with Sahin Tendulkar-the biggest batter in the history of the game.
‘Sachin.. Sachin’ chants occupy the Wankhede Stadium
Without a doubt, Sachin was one of the greatest players of all time in international cricket. His batting records and presence on the field were historic in their own sense. Fans adore the former Indian cricketer with many touting him as the God of cricket. The most heart-warming moments whenever Sachin was on the field came when the crowd erupted in chants of his name, supporting him wholeheartedly.
Something of a similar nature happened almost 13 years after he retired from all forms of cricket. During the Wankhede Stadium’s golden jubilee celebrations, the crowd started chanting “Sachin.. Sachin” in a familiar fashion as soon as the legendary cricketer took to the stage.
Sachin had arrived at the Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Wankhede stadium, which apart from witnessing many historic moments in Indian cricket, is also his home Mumbai Indians– the former IPL franchise that Sachin played for from 2008 to 2013.
Sachin was joined by players like a former Indian player Ravi Shastrilegendary batter Sunil GavaskarIndian ruler Rohit Sharma and many other domestic players.
Read also: Rohit Sharma expresses his dream of bringing World Cup glory to the iconic Wankhede Stadium
Here is the video
Sachin Sachin sings at Wankhede during Wankhede stadium 50th anniversary celebration 💙🔥🔥#Wankhede50pic.twitter.com/X85Sf2YINf
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) January 19, 2025
Wankhede Stadium turns 50: A look back at the iconic ground’s roots
The Wankhede Stadium, located in Mumbai, is one of the most iconic venues in Indian cricket. Its history dates back to the 1970s, arising from a dispute between Cricket Club of India (CCI) and the Mumbai Cricket Association (BCA). The BCA built the 45,000-capacity stadium, located just a mile from the CCI’s Brabourne Stadium, which had hosted 17 Test matches until then. The inaugural Wankhede Test of the 1974-75 season saw the West Indies dominate India.
India’s first taste of victory on the pitch came in 1976, vs New Zealandand over the years, it became the place for many memorable events and historical moments. Gavaskar’s 205 against West Indies and Alvin Calliharan187 knock in the 1978-79 series is etched in his history as well Ian BothamHis all-round performance in the 1980 Jubilee Test, where England triumphed. Vinod Kabli holds the record for the highest score by an Indian at the Wankhede, with 224 runs against England in 1992-93. Shastri also made headlines in 1984-85 by hitting six sixes in an over during his quick double century, a first-class record.
The Wankhede’s seaside location gave swing bowlers an early advantage, especially in the morning and final sessions when the sea breeze dropped, although this influence diminished after the stands were renovated ahead of the 2011 World Cup. Traditionally, the pitch at Wankhede it was run-scoring friendly but the red clay offers some help to spinners during the latter stages of a Test match.
With stands named after cricket legends such as Vijay MerchantGavaskar and Sachin, the Wankhede Stadium remains a central part of Mumbai’s cricketing identity and a venue where some of the sport’s greatest performances have unfolded.
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