Top 5 best bowling figures (innings) by Indian bowlers at Wankhede Stadium in test cricket

Six times Indian bowlers have taken six or more wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in test cricket.

The Wankhede Stadium holds a special place in the history of Indian cricket. The stadium has hosted many memorable internationals, the World Cup 2011 final being remembered the most fondly by Indian fans.

Often referred to as the graveyard of bowlers in limited overs format, the Wankhede Stadium has seen some extraordinary bowling performances in the longest format of the game. The Mumbai-based stadium has dynamics that assist both fast bowlers and spinners.

The stadium experiences a sea breeze that offers fast bowlers swing and seam movement. Furthermore, the pitch’s red soil composition provides additional bounce and carry, creating catching opportunities for close-in fielders when spinners bowl.

Over the years, the ground has seen many memorable bowling spells, In this article we’ll explore the top five best bowling performances by Indian bowlers at this historic venue in test cricket.

Top five best bowling figures (innings) by Indian bowlers at Wankhede Stadium in test cricket

5. Ravichandran Ashwin – 6/112 vs England, 2016

Ashwin’s impressive bowling figures of 6/112 came in the first innings of the fourth test of England’s tour of India 2016 at the Wankhede.

Leading the five-match series 2-0, the Indian team came to Mumbai intending to wrap up the series. Being asked to bowl first on a good batting pitch, the Indian bowling unit led by Ravichandran Ashwin displayed excellent discipline to restrict England to 400 runs in their first innings.

Ashwin’s six-wicket hall included the key wickets of Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Ashwin and Jadeja combined to take all 10 wickets of England, keeping the Indian side marginally ahead after the completion of England’s first innings. The hosts eventually won the match by an innings and 36 runs as Virat Kohli slammed a double century.

4. Laxman Sivaramakrishnan – 6/64 vs England, 1984

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan’s remarkable 6/64 came during the first innings of the Mumbai test on England’s tour of India in 1984.

England, opting to bat first, were taken aback by the leg-spinner’s sharp turn and bounce on the Wankhede track, getting bowled out for 195. Sivaramakrishnan’s six-wicket haul included key dismissals of Mike Gatting and Graeme Flower.

India in the last innings of the test cruised to the 48-run target with eight wickets in hand. Sivaramakrishnan was named Player of the Match for his efforts.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 6/55 vs England, 2016

The second of Ashwin’s two six-wicket hauls at the Wankhede stadium came in the second innings of the test against England in 2016.

Following up on his excellent bowling performance of 6/112 in the first innings, Ashwin outperformed himself to record figures of 6/55 in the second innings.

Ashwin’s heroics helped India bundle out England for the score of just 195 runs, wrapping up the game by an innings.

2. Pragyan Ojha – 6/47 vs West Indies, 2011

Pragyan Ojha’s bowling figures of 6/47 against West Indies came in one of the most memorable test matches at the Wankhede. The third test of the West Indies’ tour of India in 2011 is remembered for the infamous draw.

Looking to extend the 108-run lead in the second innings, the Caribbean side were rattled by Ojha’s brilliance. Pragyan picked up six wickets including Darren Bravo, to restrict the Windies to a total of 134 in their second innings.

Chasing 243, India needed two runs on the last ball with two wickets in hand. Ravi Ashwin was run-out on the last ball of the game while trying to take the second run.

1. Harbhajan Singh – 7/48 vs West Indies, 2002

Harbhajan Singh holds the record for the best bowling performance in test cricket at Wankhede Stadium by an Indian. Harbhajan’s historic feat came in the second innings against West Indies in the first test of the West Indies’ tour of India in 2002.

Having enforced the follow-on after gaining a 400-run lead in the first innings, Harbhajan’s excellent returns of 7/48 quickly vanished the hopes of a Caribbean comeback. The Indian team bundled out the West Indies for 188 runs in their second innings, winning the game by an innings and 112 runs.

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