Wankhede at 50: Gavaskar Says, "Chest Swells with Pride”
Gavaskar
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Wankhede Stadium reached a significant milestone in Indian cricket as it celebrated its 50th anniversary. This historically significant facility has hosted some of cricket’s most memorable events.
This legendary stadium has seen the sport’s highs and lows, from Sachin Tendulkar’s tearful farewell to India’s World Cup victories. With music, memories, and nostalgic moments permeating the air, Sunday’s golden jubilee celebrations brought together Indian cricket’s past, present, and future.
Honoring the Legacy
When Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar played his final match on this field on November 16, 2013, it became one of the most iconic images in Wankhede’s history. He concluded a 24-year international career by touching the field and saying a quick prayer as a symbolic act. Follow billy777 for more cricket news.
Beyond his incredible career, he had a connection to the stadium because it was there that he first dreamed of playing cricket and where he fulfilled that dream, becoming a great player.
During the Golden Jubilee festivities, Tendulkar spoke with awe and affection. "When I was ten, my school pals and I came here to watch India play the West Indies.
The North Stand was where I sat. The intriguing aspect was that I was smuggled in due to my height, even though there were only 24 tickets available for our 25-person group. Being short can be beneficial at times."
He continued by talking about how his ambitions came true at Wankhede, particularly the 2011 World Cup triumph, which was the high point of his career.
“I had dreamed of holding the World Cup, inspired by the 1983 win,” he remarked, commemorating the occasion that would live on in the hearts of all Indian cricket fans. “We came close in 1996 and 2003, but finally, in 2011, we crossed the last hurdle here, at Wankhede, my home ground.”
Why Wankhede Was Born
The stadium's adventure officially began when Wankhede Stadium held its first international game—a momentous fifth Test match against the West Indies—in January 1975.
However, when the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) contemplated moving the 2011 World Cup final to a new location in 2008, the stadium’s continued survival was threatened.
“We looked at a plot of land near Wadala, and even BKC’s existing stadium was considered for construction. Veteran administrator Prof. Ratnakar Shetty said, ‘The plans did not work.’” Despite early difficulties, the MCA remained with Wankhede, renovating it for the 2011 World Cup final.
The Brabourne Stadium, another Mumbai cricket facility, was unable to supply adequate passes for MCA officials, which led to its construction.
The famous stadium was created after SK Wankhede, the BCCI’s president, decided to construct one owned by the MCA. Its foundation was greatly aided by Sharad Pawar, a former leader of the MCA, BCCI, and ICC, who provided the site for its construction in the late 1960s.
Indian Cricket’s Glory
Wankhede Stadium is more than just a field; it is a historical site. Kapil Dev’s team was greeted like heroes as the Indian cricket team celebrated winning the 1983 World Cup.
When MS Dhoni’s side won the first-ever ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the stadium was filled with jubilation. One of the most memorable events in Indian cricket history occurred in 2011 when MS Dhoni won the World Cup with a spectacular six that will live in every fan’s memory.
The venue has hosted 63 international matches, including 27 Test matches, 28 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 8 Twenty20 Internationals.
The Mumbai cricket team has won 26 of its 42 Ranji Trophy titles here, making it the city’s cricketing stronghold. Its walls have witnessed several exhilarating encounters, fervent fan celebrations, and legendary performances.
The Tradition Continues
A lavish event featuring dances, music, and a breathtaking laser show was held to commemorate Wankhede’s golden anniversary. Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, and Rohit Sharma were among the cricketing greats who honored the stadium’s illustrious history during the evening.
The fact that more than 60 Mumbai-based international cricket players, both male and female, attended the occasion highlights how crucial this legendary location has been in influencing the careers of innumerable players.
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar talked about the emotional bond with the ground. "It’s a great sensation to feel like you’re playing on your field.
Pride fills the breast,” Gavaskar remarked. Rohit Sharma, who has lived in Wankhede since he was a teenager, agreed, referring to it as a “special place.” When India won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC World Cup in 2011, he noted that his desire to win a World Cup had been realized.
“I started playing here when I was fourteen years old. The Mumbai, India, and MI teams have a unique position at the Wankhede. "You’re never disappointed by the crowds here,” Sharma added. When India hosts the Champions Trophy next month, he hopes to see a significant triumph at the stadium again.
Gazing Towards the Future
To improve the fan experience, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is dedicated to renovating Wankhede’s facilities. The MCA’s youthful president, Ajinkya Naik, said, “The Wankhede is the shining star of Indian cricket that would never be dimmed, and its 50-year legacy is a testimony to that.”
The goal is to maintain the stadium’s rich heritage while updating it to contemporary standards so that it may carry on serving as a location for significant cricket matches.
The Wankhede Stadium is a shining example of Indian cricket. It has left its mark on cricket history with its momentous World Cup wins and innumerable domestic championships.
It continues to be a tribute to the spirit of Indian cricket, its players, and the ardent supporters who have supported it through thick and thin as it commemorates 50 years of glory. Wankhede will surely see more memorable moments over the next fifty years, transforming it from a cricket ground to a representation of cricketing greatness.
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