Cricket is more than a game for the Indian nation. It is passion, religion, and a binding culture that holds millions of fans together all over the country. It goes well with world-class stadiums that have hosted some of the most renowned moments in cricket’s history.
Each stadium has its charm and atmosphere, coupled with significance. A visit to these venues is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans. So, here we are going to take you through the top 10 cricket stadiums in India by taking you through a journey of their history, features, and legendary matches played on their respective turf.
1: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
This is one of the largest cricket stadiums, and there are only a few stadiums in the world that compete with Eden Gardens. This stadium is popularly known as the “Mecca of Indian cricket.” Established in 1864, it is the oldest cricket stadium in India and has a seating capacity of around 66,000, making it one of the largest.
Be it the nail-biting World Cup final match in 1987 that made history or more so the unending Test match in 2001 against Australia, where the magic of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid steered India to a stupendous win.
Known for its passionate and knowledgeable crowd, Eden Gardens provides an electric atmosphere that is second to none. The stadium’s lush outfield, excellent facilities, and the presence of the iconic BC Roy Clubhouse make it a revered venue for both players and fans alike.
2: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Wankhede Stadium is a stadium with Indian cricketing glory at its heart, situated in the core of Mumbai. The stadium was constructed in 1974 and accommodates about 33,000 spectators. The most historic matches played at this stadium include the final match of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, in which India again bagged the title by defeating Sri Lanka.
The stadium is near the Arabian Sea, and thus it has a special climatic influence; the sea breeze is said to play much role in the game proceedings. Wankhede pitch is known for its bounce and carry, giving an exciting contest between bat and ball.
The stadium hosts world-class facilities and is one of the favorites for several high-profile international and domestic matches. The vibrant crowd and the iconic view of the Marine Drive skyline make this cricketing fortress a charisma.
3: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is based in the heart of the city, Bangalore, with an electric crowd and beauty of views all around it. Constructed in 1969, the stadium can seat around 40,000 people.
The stadium is named after M. Chinnaswamy, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and a home ground of the Karnataka state team and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Chinnaswamy Stadium stadium pitch is a batting-friendly one, which results in high-scoring matches. Then, there’s the system for harvesting rainwater. So far, it is one of the greenest cricket stadiums in India. The informed-in-fun filled crowd further enhances the festive flavor to the stadium and is enjoyed by the players as well as the spectators.
4: Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi
Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, now known as the Arun Jaitley Stadium, was one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country, dating back to 1883. The capacity of the ground is around 41,820 and is based in the national capital, Delhi.
The stadium features a spin-friendly pitch and has hosted many match-winning performances from great spinners, such as Anil Kumble of the all-ten wickets haul against Pakistan in 1999.
This stadium has experienced numerous restorations over time to enhance facilities and offer a better viewing experience to all fans. Kotla is located in the center of Delhi, hence it is a very prominent venue for international and domestic matches. The fans come enthusiastically to support the matches. The historical background and its modern amenities make it a standout venue for Indian cricket.
5: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
The Chepauk Stadium is one of the oldest and most iconic cricket venues in India, and it is commonly referred to as M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. It was first established in 1916, and it has a seating capacity of around 50,000. The home ground of the state team, Tamil Nadu, and the Chennai Super Kings of IPL is also based there.
The Chepauk pitch features the typical slow and low nature it acquired during its early years, creating immense challenges to the batsmen and happiness for the spinners. It has also housed a number of storied matches across the years. One of these is India’s first Test victory-ever, way back in 1952 when they defeated England.
The crowd was passionate and knowledgeable, and the coastal breeze combined to create an atmosphere that players and fans cherish. This stadium has been developed with all the modern facilities while still maintaining a traditional feel.
6: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
The new face of India’s cricketing world can be seen at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. This stadium has been established in 2004 and has a seating capacity of about 55,000. This is where the Hyderabad State team plays their games, as well as the IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The stadium is known for its excellent facilities, and features a world-class drainage system that minimizes interruptions during wet weather. The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium is known to offer good bounce and carry, thus making it a great and balanced venue for both batsmen and bowlers.
The stadium has witnessed many starry Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. It is nearly always crowded when the matches are IPL-tigers. The recently built infrastructure with the excited crowd makes it one of the best Indian cricket venues.
7: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, popularly known as Mohali Stadium, is an important stadium located in Mohali, near Chandigarh. Established in 1993, it accommodates around 26,000. The lush green outfield and the best of pitches invite fast bowlers, especially in the night.
It has hosted some of the memorable matches, like that of the semi-final of 1996 World Cup, between Australia and the West Indies. It is popular for modern facilities and several players feel at ease with the facilities available here.
The matches here are electric, more so when it’s India. The passionate fans fill the stands. The strategic location of the stadium and the good infrastructure made it a favorite venue for international and domestic matches.
8: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Sawai Mansingh Stadium is considered one of the most picturesque cricket venues, located in Jaipur and popularly known as the pink city. The stadium came up in the year 1969, and it had a seating capacity for nearly around 30,000 spectators. This stadium holds the rating of the home venue of Rajasthan state team and Rajasthan Royals for the IPL teams.
The pitch of the stadium is batting-friendly and mostly plays out to be a high-scoring game. The architecture of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is really beautiful, a result of the fine blend between traditional Rajasthani and modern design.
It has hosted some very memorable games, such as the 2006 Champions Trophy. The stadium has always been a favorite ground among players and spectators alike due to its energetic atmosphere, excellent facilities, and scenic beauty.
9: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Greenfield International Stadium is one of the newest cricket stadiums in India. Located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, this stadium has a capacity of nearly 50,000. It is on par with other modern infrastructures which boast of world-class facilities and something that not many stadiums have: each seat yields a panoramic view of the ground-360-degree view.
The pitch at the stadium brings both bat and ball on an equal footing, so it can be said that any format of match played here would be competitive. Greenfield Stadium has already witnessed several important match-up matches; T20Is and ODIs, primarily due to its electrifying atmosphere, especially in the evening.
The location of the stadium amidst luscious green and scintillating views adds charm, and it is one of the favorites among players and fans alike.
10: Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Sardar Patel Stadium, colloquially known as Motera Stadium, is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. As the largest cricket stadium in the world, with space for 132,000 people, this stadium was first established in 1982 and renovated in 2020. The state-of-the-art establishment has set standards for cricket infrastructures.
Motera pitch is a good ball- bat wielding balance and hence a very competitive venue for all game formats. Several historic matches have been witnessed here; one of the latest was the pink-ball Test between India and England in 2021.
The Motera Stadium is known for its modern facilities, including state-of-the-art drainage and great seating arrangements. The matches are electric as fans of this game fill the stands with great enthusiasm. It is one of the grandest cricket venues in India with modern facilities.
Faqs
Which is the largest cricket stadium in India?
The largest cricket stadium in India is the Motera Stadium, also referred to as the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It has a seating capacity of 132,000.
Which stadium is called the “Mecca of Indian cricket”.
Eden Gardens in Kolkata is often called the “Mecca of Indian cricket”.
Which stadium hosted the final of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup?
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai hosted the final of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
How many people can be seated in the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore?
The seating capacity of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore is about 40,000.
Which is the stadium to which Chennai Super Kings play its home game in the IPL?
The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, popularly known as Chepauk Stadium, is the home ground of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
Conclusion
Cricket stadiums in India are far more than just sports venues; they mark history and legends in the making. Whether it is Eden Gardens or the Sardar Patel Stadium, the best in class, every stadium has its own story and charm to it.
These are some of the grounds where cricketing history has unfolded in memorable form, with team talent and spirit and unwavering support of fans. As it continues to grow, these grounds will be at the heart of Indian cricket’s story, hosting future generations of cricketers and creating new memories for fans worldwide.
The legacy of these fabulous arenas will live on and continue to inspire and capture the imagination of cricket fans for years to come.
