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Cricket is all about the love and passion that the game gets from its fans. Some of the most historic moments come at the crossroads of the roar and cheer of the millions of cricket fans around the globe. When it comes to Indian cricket, fans are the core of the game. Over the years, one of the country’s most iconic grounds, the Wankhede Stadium has given the cricket fans memories that they carry throughout their lives. Now, as the stadium completed its 50 years, fans recreated an evergreen memory of the past related to Sachin Tendulkar-the greatest batter in the history of the game.
‘Sachin.. Sachin’ chants takeover Wankhede Stadium
Without a doubt, Sachin has been one of if not the greatest players of all time in international cricket. His batting records and presence on the pitch was historic in its own sense. Fans adore the former Indian cricketer with many elevating him as the God of Cricket. The most electrifying moments whenever Sachin was on the field came when the crowd surged with chants of his name, backing him wholeheartedly.
Something of a similar sort occurred almost 13 years after his retirement from all forms of cricket. During the golden jubilee celebrations of the Wankhede Stadium, the crowd started chanting “Sachin.. Sachin” in a familiar fashion as soon as the legendary cricketer got on to the stage.
Sachin had arrived in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Wankhede Stadium, which apart from being a witness to a number of historic moments in Indian cricket, is also the home of the Mumbai Indians– the former IPL franchise which Sachin played for from 2008 to 2013.
Sachin was joined by the likes of former Indian player Ravi Shastri, legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and many other home-grown players.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma expresses dream to bring World Cup glory at the iconic Wankhede Stadium
Here’s the video
Sachin Sachin chants at Wankhede during 50th anniversary celebration of Wankhede stadium 💙🔥🔥#Wankhede50pic.twitter.com/X85Sf2YINf
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) January 19, 2025
Wankhede Stadium turns 50: A look-back at the roots of the iconic ground
Wankhede Stadium, located in Mumbai, is one of the most iconic venues in Indian cricket. Its history dates back to the 1970s, emerging from a dispute between the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and the Bombay Cricket Association (BCA). The BCA constructed the 45,000-capacity stadium, situated just a mile from the CCI’s Brabourne Stadium, which had hosted 17 Test matches until then. Wankhede’s inaugural Test in the 1974-75 season saw West Indies dominate India.
The stadium’s first taste of victory for India came in 1976, against New Zealand, and over the years, it became the site for many memorable innings and historic moments. Gavaskar’s 205 against the West Indies and Alvin Kallicharan’s 187 knock in the 1978-79 series are etched in its history, as well as Ian Botham’s all-round performance in the 1980 Jubilee Test, where England triumphed. Vinod Kambli holds the record for the highest score by an Indian at 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 rapid double century, a first-class record.
Wankhede’s seaside location gave an early advantage to swing bowlers, especially in the mornings and the final sessions when the sea breeze kicked in, although this influence was lessened after the stands were renovated ahead of the 2011 World Cup. Traditionally, the pitch at Wankhede has been conducive to run-scoring, but the red soil offers some assistance to spinners during the latter stages of a Test match.
With stands named after cricketing legends such as Vijay Merchant, Gavaskar, and Sachin, Wankhede Stadium remains a central part of Mumbai’s cricketing identity and a venue where some of the sport’s greatest performances have unfolded.
