India's 5 highest run-scorers in Tests at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai ft. Sachin Tendulkar
Last week, India suffered their first Test series loss at home in 12 years after a thrashing at the hands of New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune. After a resounding eight-wicket victory at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in the first match, New Zealand turned all the odds in Pune and did something that even top-ranked teams have failed to achieve in over a decade.
On a spin-friendly track, the relatively inexperienced New Zealand spin trio of Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Philips outbowled the fancied Indian duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Santner bagged his first fifer in Tests and repeated the feat in the second innings.
India will be extremely hurt with how things have panned out in the first two Tests but the record of 18 consecutive home Test series wins is something that no other team has even come close to achieving. Hence they would like to believe that are still the same dominant force at home.
The third Test commences at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 1 and with the World Test Championship in mind, India will be desperate to get back to winning ways. Over the years, many Indian greats have played some stunning knocks at the iconic stadium.
Let us look at India's five highest run-scorers in Tests at the Wankhede Stadium.
India's 5 highest run-scorers in Tests at Wankhede Stadium
#5. Syed Kirmani- 477 runs in 13 innings
An unlikely name comes on this list in the form of Syed Kirmani. Known more for his astute wicket-keeping abilities than his batting, Kirmani stands fifth on the list of Indian batters with the most runs at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Kirmani was someone who didn't score too many runs at the Test level but bailed India out of trouble on several occasions, especially on Indian pitches. He scored 477 runs at the Wankhede Stadium at an average of 47.70 which included a brilliant 102 against England in his penultimate Test series.
#4. Rahul Dravid- 619 runs in 13 innings
Another icon of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid finds himself fourth on the list with the most Test runs at the Wankhede. Regarded as 'The Wall,’ Dravid was one of the greatest Test batters the world has seen. He scored 619 runs at the Wankhede Stadium at an exceptional average of 56.27.
Dravid’s incredible Test career was decorated with some quality knocks. The Wankhede Stadium didn't witness an out-and-out Dravid masterclass.
However, he treated the crowd to some resolute batting and panache during his only Test century at the stadium back in 2002 against the West Indies. He also smashed four half-centuries and made vital contributions to the team in Mumbai.
#3. Dilip Vengsarkar- 631 runs in 17 innings
One of the most stylish batters of the yesteryears, Dilip Vengsarkar finds himself third on the list with the most Test runs at his home ground. Vengsakar went about his business in a nonchalant manner.
A pleasing stroke player, Vengsarkar has scored 631 Test runs at the Wankhede Stadium at an average of 48.53, including two centuries and two fifties.
Vengsarkar’s highest score at this venue came against the mighty Australians back in 1986, as he scored 164 runs in 303 deliveries, including 21 fours and a six.
#2. Sachin Tendulkar- 921 runs in 19 innings
Arguably the greatest cricketer to have graced the game of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most Test runs and centuries besides also being the leading run-getter in ODIs.
Mumbai’s very own Tendulkar finds himself second on the list with the most Test runs by an Indian at the Wankhede Stadium. His tally of 921 runs has come at an average of 48.47 which includes a solitary century and eight fifties.
Despite the home advantage, Tendulkar couldn't quite convert his starts into massive scores. He played a stunning knock on a rank turner against Australia in 2004 which remains one of his greatest Test knocks at Wankhede.
His only Test century at his home ground came against Sri Lanka back in 1997. Tendulkar’s stupendous knock set the match up beautifully before Sri Lanka’s lower order fought hard to salvage a draw.
#1. Sunil Gavaskar- 1122 runs in 20 innings
The man who finds the numero uno spot is someone Tendulkar used to look up to as a child. Sunil Gavaskar was the biggest cricketer from Mumbai before Tendulkar appeared but his class and aura are still unmatched.
His Test record, especially against some of the most lethal fast bowlers of all time, is a testimony to his greatness. The original 'Little Master,' Gavaskar holds the record for the most runs at the Wankhede. He scored 1122 runs at a stunning average of 56.10 which includes five centuries and three fifties.