Key takeaways
- Chasing teams have won 72 of 131 IPL matches at Wankhede, against 58 for teams batting first.
- The all-time first-innings average is 173, but in 2026 it rose to about 222.
- A target of 244 was chased here in 2026 — no total is safe.
- New-ball seamers can get early swing from the sea breeze; after that, batters dominate.
Wankhede at a glance
| City | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
|---|---|
| IPL home team | Mumbai Indians |
| IPL matches (to May 2026) | 131 |
| Won batting first / chasing | 58 / 72 (1 tie) |
| Average first-innings score | 173 all-time; about 222 in 2026 |
| Highest total | 249/4 (2026) |
| Highest successful chase | 243 (2026) |
Is the Wankhede pitch good for batting or bowling?
Batting. The first-innings average rose to about 222 in 2026, a target of 244 was chased, and chasing teams have won 72 of 131 IPL matches. New-ball seamers can get early swing from the sea breeze; after that, batters dominate.
What the pitch is like
Wankhede is a batting ground. The boundaries are small, the outfield is quick and the bounce is true, so batters can hit through the line from the first over.
Bowlers' best chance comes early: the sea breeze can help seamers swing the new ball in the first few overs. After the powerplay, though, the advantage moves firmly to the batters — and dew in evening games makes the ball harder to grip for the side bowling second.
The numbers
All-time IPL figures (131 matches, as of May 2026):
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Average first-innings score | 173 |
| Wins batting first / chasing | 58 / 72 |
| Ties | 1 |
| Highest total | 249/4 |
| Highest successful chase | 243 |
IPL 2026: the average first-innings score was about 222, and a target of 244 was chased. Both the highest total and the highest chase at the ground came in 2026.
Recent totals are far above the all-time average. Use the 2026 figure when you judge what a "par" score is.
Toss and chasing
Chasing teams have the better record — 72 wins against 58 — and dew is the main reason. Most captains who win the toss choose to bowl first.
For your team: after the toss, give extra weight to the side batting second, especially its top order, and expect the side bowling second to find it harder to grip the ball at the death.
Pace or spin?
- New-ball seamers are the bowlers most likely to take early wickets, while the ball is swinging. A seamer who bowls two or three overs in the powerplay is a good pick.
- Death bowlers can still score well: wicket points from batters who are attacking every ball often outweigh the runs conceded.
- Spinners usually get little help here and can be expensive on small boundaries. Pick one only if he is a genuine all-rounder or a proven wicket-taker.
Building a fantasy team for Wankhede
- Batters first. Top-order batters from both sides are the core of a Wankhede team.
- Captain a top-order batter, ideally from the side batting second.
- One or two powerplay seamers from each side rather than holding spinners.
- Finishers gain value on small boundaries — a hitter who bats in the last five overs can outscore a top-order batter on the day.
- In mega contests, a less popular opener from the visiting side can separate you from the many teams captained by Mumbai's top order.
For a full routine, see pitch and conditions and captain and vice-captain.
MI at home
Mumbai Indians have played far more IPL matches at Wankhede than any other team — about 99 of the ground's matches. Their attack is built around new-ball and death bowling, which suits the conditions.
MI's squad, core picks and recent form are in the MI fantasy guide.
Pre-match checklist
- Check the forecast and start time — evening games bring dew.
- After the toss, lean towards the chasing side's top order.
- Pick the bowlers who will bowl in the powerplay, when swing is most likely.
- Confirm your captain is in the top three of the batting order.
Sources
- CricTracker, MI vs RR: IPL 2026 records and stats at Wankhede Stadium, May 2026 — venue figures, 2026 average and pitch notes.
- T20 Head to Head, IPL records at the Wankhede Stadium, October 2026 — highest total and matches by team.
- CricTracker, MI vs CSK: IPL 2026 records and stats at Wankhede Stadium, April 2026 — pitch notes.