Arun Jaitely Stadium; Second Oldest Stadium in India
Stadiums around the world create an amazing atmosphere for the players. Over the years the fans have there have been iconic moments that the fans have witnessed in some of the greatest stadiums across the world. The fans come in numbers to support their nation, and franchises in the different stadiums across the world. Especially the cricket stadiums create a breathtaking atmosphere with an amazing natural backdrop.
Arun Jaitely Cricket Stadium is the second oldest stadium in India. Among some of the best stadiums in the world, Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi is also one of the iconic cricket stadiums in India. It has witnessed some of the greatest encounters in the history of the game. During the ODI World Cup 2023, the stadium was renovated with the seats and the ground facilities as well. However, being one of the most iconic stadiums let’s take a look at the history of when and how it was built.
History of Arun Jaitely Stadium
The Arun Jaitely Stadium was previously known as the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. The stadium was built back in 1883 before the independence of the country. It was named after the nearby Kotla Fort, which was built by Ferozeshah Tughluq, the emperor of Delhi in the fourteenth century. The Fort encircles the stadium boundaries. It is the one of oldest functional international cricket stadiums in India. The Arun Jaitely Stadium location is Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi.
The stadium was renamed after the death of Indian politician Arun Jaitley. He served as president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) for some time. Known for staging iconic matches and housing cricket icons, the stadium was modernised during the former president’s time at DDCA. The first Test match at this venue was played on 10 November 1948 when India hosted West Indies. The fans have come in large numbers to witness their favourite players. The stadium has a good capacity of crowd.
What is the capacity of Arun Jaitley Stadium?
Arun Jaitley Stadium, located in New Delhi. Fans do come in large numbers it has a capacity of 55,000. It makes one of the stadium roars for Team India whenever there is a match. During Arun Jaitely’s stint as DDCA president, he helped with modernising the stadium, boosting seating capacity, and improving player facilities. The stadium was officially renamed at a ceremony held on September 12, 2019. On the same occasion, one of the stadium’s stands was named after former Indian captain Virat Kohli.
Each seat has a distinctive feature that was specifically created to provide spectators with the best viewing experience possible while watching live game action unfold in front of them. The most recent changes have improved fans’ seats and sightlines. There are also enhanced facilities to ensure a pleasant and pleasurable matchday experience. The atmosphere is electric with the noise of passionate supporters cheering on their favourite teams, it’s like poetry in motion.
Where is Arun Jaitley Stadium and how to reach it?
The Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium is located at the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi. For the fans outside the the state if spectators are coming by metro the nearest metro station to Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is ITO. It’s a 10 min walk away. The nearest bus station is Ambedkar Stadium Terminal or the Ambedkar Stadium from there it is a 5-10 mins of walking. The fans come here to witness the electrifying atmosphere and some of them are lucky enough to even witness some of the greatest moments and matches of India and other nations as well.
Major Matches and Events at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Some horrifying and some memorable events have taken place in the stadium. The fans have witnessed both we take a look at both the major matches and events that took place in the stadium. Here are the 5 major matches and events that took place in the cricket stadium;
5. Sunil Gavaskar equalled Don Bradman’s 29-hundred record
Gavaskar is one of the most iconic names in Indian Cricket history. The former India captain became the first player ever to cross the 10,000-run mark in Tests. Back in 1987, he achieved the milestone. But in 1983 after the Prudential World Cup win. The opener achieved some unbelievable feats in October. He equalled Don Bradman’s 29th hundred in this particular stadium.
4. Match called off due to a dangerous pitch
In 2009 an ODI match between India and Sri Lanka was called off. It was due to pitch conditions that were deemed unfit for a match. Based on the match referee’s findings, the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended the ground for 12 months. The 2011 Cricket World Cup saw the return of international cricket to the stadium functional for the international matches.
3. South Africa post the highest total in ODI World Cup history
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 witnessed several teams unleashing their best batting performances, especially South Africa. The Proteas scored the tournament’s highest ever total scoring 428/5 in 50 overs against Sri Lanka. They became the first team to record three 400-plus totals while also marking the first instance of three batters recording tons in a single World Cup innings.
2. Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul in an innings
India faced Pakistan in the 1999 test series. In the game, something historic happened Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in an innings against the arch-rivals. The legendary leg-spinner became the first Indian and second bowler to achieve this feat after Jim Laker. Kumble in total picked 14 wickets in the game winning the match for the side by 212 runs.
1. Sachin Tendulkar made the record of the most test centuries
The ‘God of Cricket’ was the face of Indian cricket for over two decades. Tendulkar made his 35th Test century, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar, and became the game’s record centurion in the longer format. He never let go of his top spot and still holds the record. The greatest batter finished his career with an astonishing 51 Test tons.
Over the years the fans have witnessed these memorable matches and events in the stadium. With the cricket nearly played over the year in India now. The fans will yet again be lined up for some exciting matches that are forthcoming. We next take a look at the upcoming matches at the Arun Jaitley stadium.
Upcoming Matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium
There is only one match that is scheduled at the cricket stadium. That is India will be hosting Bangladesh in the 2nd T20I game of the 3-match T20I series. The game will start at 7:00 PM IST and the fans will fill up the ground to support their biggest cricketing stars.
Do let us know in the comment sections about your favourite memory of the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Or do you guys know any interesting facts? For more such updates follow our page sportsdrip.co.
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