Introduction
The game of Cricket has evolved beyond the realms of sport in India. The country is filled with enthusiasts of the Gentleman’s game and considers it a religion rather than just a sport. Whenever India is playing, at every corner of every street, one will find people of diverse ages, colours and castes all crowding to watch a Cricket match which would be displayed over an AV screen. May it be restaurants, pubs or cafes there will be always a large percentage of people invested in a television screen watching the match. Every boundary is cheered and every wicket is mourned collectively. Cricket Stadiums are no lesser than holy grounds for a country whose way of life revolves around the sport. Every Indian at least once in his/her lifetime dreams of experiencing a cricket match live from the Stadium. Hence, for a country that is madly in love with the sport, it just makes sense to have some of the world’s largest, most historic, and most exquisite cricket stadiums. In fact, it comes as no surprise that India holds the World Record for having the most Cricket Stadiums in the World. The world record number currently sits at a whopping 52 stadiums! That’s 30 more than the number of Cricket Stadiums in England, the country where the sport was born!
10 Best Cricket Stadiums in India
1. Eden Gardens- The Mecca of Cricket, Kolkata
It is not only India’s Oldest Cricket ground but also ranks amongst the oldest Cricket Stadiums in the world, period. For a long time, the Eden Gardens was the largest Cricket Stadium in India. Since its establishment in 1864, the Eden Gardens has made some pretty memorable cricketing memories and moments. Located in Kolkata, the City of Sweets, Eden Gardens witnessed its first-ever International Cricket match on January 5th, 1935. It has hosted some pretty memorable cricket matches in history including the 1987 World Cup Final, as well as the 2016 T20 WC Final. The famous VVS Laxman – Rahul Dravid partnership was also forged at this venue. Having a capacity of 68,000 fans, Eden Gardens also hosted India’s first-ever Pink-Ball test match in 2019 against Bangladesh. It is by far India’s most iconic Cricket Stadium.
2. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
The easiest way for a stadium to get immortalized in India’s cricketing history is to win the World Cup in that stadium. That is exactly why Wankhede is so high up on this list. India’s famous World Cup Triumph at home occurred in a jam-packed Wankhede Stadium placing it firmly in the Annals of India’s cricketing History. The home ground of the Mumbai Indians and Mumbai Cricket Association, Wankhede Stadium with a capacity of 33,108, this ground has witnessed some very historic moments. It was here where Sachin Tendulkar bid farewell to the sport after his 200th Test Match, Virat Kohli surpassed his idol by scoring his 50th ODI Century setting a new record, and Glenn Maxwell scored that unbelievable 201 standing on no legs.
3. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
It would be a disgrace to call this Cricket Stadium a “Stadium” because it is so much more than that. India’s largest stadium by far, with a seating capacity of a whopping 132,000 fans, the Narendra Modi Stadium shadows even the MCG in its grandeur. While many believe it’s a very new stadium in comparison to others, that’s just not true. Earlier it was called the Motera Stadium or the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium in honour of our first Deputy Prime Minister. It hosted its first International game on November 12th, 1983. Now it is the premier venue to host any massive cricket match in India. It famously has hosted the 2022 and 2023 IPL Finals. On top of that, this venue hosted the Ind vs Pak contest at the 2023 WC and also the heartbreaking World Cup Final.
4. M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Situated in the vibrant city of Chennai, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, commonly known as Chepauk, is one of India’s oldest and most revered cricket grounds. Established in 1916, this stadium has seen some of the most thrilling encounters in cricket history. With a seating capacity of around 38,000, it is known for its passionate crowd and the famous sea breeze that often aids swing bowlers. The Chepauk Stadium has hosted numerous historic matches, including the first-ever Test victory for India on home soil in 1952 against England. It’s also the home ground for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, adding to its rich cricketing heritage.
5. M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
Nestled in the heart of Bangalore, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is synonymous with electrifying cricketing action and fervent fans. Established in 1969, this stadium, with a seating capacity of around 40,000, has been the venue for several memorable cricket moments. It is particularly known for its lively pitch, which often aids batsmen, leading to high-scoring games. The stadium hosted its first Test match in 1974, on 22nd November and has since been a regular venue for both domestic and international matches. Home to the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, Chinnaswamy Stadium has witnessed some of the most thrilling T20 matches in recent history.
6. HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, located in the picturesque town of Dharamshala, is one of the most scenic cricket grounds in the world. With the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range, this stadium offers a unique experience for players and fans alike. Established in 2003, it has a seating capacity of around 23,000 and is known for its fast and bouncy pitch, making it a challenging venue for batsmen. The HPCA Stadium hosted its first-ever international match in 2013, an ODI between India and England. Its serene setting and vibrant atmosphere make it a standout venue in Indian cricket.
7. Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Located in Hyderabad, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is a modern cricket venue that has rapidly gained prominence since its establishment in 2004. With a seating capacity of approximately 55,000, it has become a fortress for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. The stadium is known for its well-maintained pitch, which often offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. It hosted its first international match in 2005 and has since been a regular venue for key fixtures, including World Cup matches. The stadium is also notable for hosting two of the most thrilling IPL finals in 2015 and 2017. Mumbai Indians won both matches by a margin of just 1 run.
8. Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Formerly known as the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is steeped in history and tradition. Established in 1883, it is one of India’s oldest cricket grounds and has a seating capacity of around 41,000. Over the years, it has been the stage for many memorable cricketing moments, including Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul in an innings against Pakistan in 1999. The pitch at this stadium is known for assisting spinners, often leading to exciting low-scoring matches. The stadium is the home ground for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and has been a venue for several significant Test matches and ODIs.
9. Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
The Brabourne Stadium, located in South Mumbai, is a historic cricket ground that has played a crucial role in the development of Indian cricket. Established in 1937, it was the original home of Indian cricket before the Wankhede Stadium took over. Ironically, Brabourne Stadium hosted its first International match in 1948, 27 years before the Wankhede Stadium. With a seating capacity of around 20,000, Brabourne has hosted numerous iconic matches over the course of its history and also served as one of the 4 stadiums used during the 2022 IPL edition. The stadium is also known for its lush outfield and lively pitch, making it a preferred venue for several high-profile domestic tournaments. Although it is no longer the primary cricket ground in Mumbai, it still holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans.
10. Greenfield International Stadium, Trivandrum
The Greenfield International Stadium in Trivandrum is a state-of-the-art sports complex that has quickly become one of India’s premier cricket venues. Inaugurated in 2015, the stadium boasts a seating capacity of around 50,000 and is known for its modern facilities and stunning design. The pitch here is versatile, often providing a balanced contest between bat and ball. On top of this, it is a stadium that has been built within the guidelines of both, ICC and FIFA. It is also India’s first fully eco-friendly stadium. The stadium hosted its first international cricket match in 2018, on November 1st, between India and West Indies. Since then, it has been a regular venue for both international and domestic matches, establishing itself as a key location in Indian cricket.
Conclusion
India’s cricket stadiums are more than just venues; they are the beating heart of the nation’s cricketing passion. Each of these iconic stadiums has its own unique charm and history, contributing to the rich tapestry of Indian cricket. From the historic Eden Gardens to the modern marvel of the Narendra Modi Stadium and Greenfield International Stadium, these grounds have witnessed countless legendary moments that have shaped the sport’s history. For cricket fans, visiting these stadiums is not just about watching a match but about experiencing the deep-rooted love for the game that resonates throughout the country. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these cricketing sanctuaries offer an unforgettable experience that tells a heartfelt story of the emotion that is Cricket.
