The Narendra Modi Stadium, hitherto known as the Motera Stadium, is a cricket venue situated within the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, India. The stadium prides itself on possessing the largest seating capacity in the world, enabling it to accommodate a maximum of 132,000 spectators. The sports facility in question is currently owned by the Gujarat Cricket Association and serves as a venue for hosting a wide variety of cricket tournaments, which include the Test, ODI, T20I, and the Indian Premier League.
History of Narendra Modi Stadium
The genesis of the stadium predates the present era as it was erected in the year 1983. Initially referred to as the Gujarat Stadium, the aforementioned facility was subsequently accorded an appellation in commemoration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, an illustrious figure who served as India’s inaugural Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. In 1982, the Government of Gujarat generously donated a 100-acre parcel of land situated along the banks of the Sabarmati River to serve as the site for the construction of the stadium. The construction was executed and finalized within an unprecedented duration of nine months. Since its commencement, the stadium has served as the predominant location for all global cricket events hosted in Ahmedabad.
In the year 2006, the stadium underwent its inaugural renovation. Moreover, in the year 2015, the stadium underwent closure and demolition encompassing a thorough reconstruction, that culminated in its completion by the month of February in the year 2020. The aforementioned refurbishment, which incurred an approximate expenditure of ₹800 crore (equivalent to US$100 million), resulted in the remodeled stadium achieving the distinctive accolade of being recognized as the largest cricket stadium across the globe, measured by its seating capacity.
Throughout its duration of operation, the stadium has played host to numerous consequential cricket events and has borne witness to various outstanding athletic feats. Sunil Gavaskar achieved the milestone of scoring 10,000 runs in Test cricket, thereby becoming the first cricketer to do so. This feat was accomplished during a match against the Pakistani team at a stadium in 1987. In the year 1983, Kapil Dev achieved an impressive feat by claiming nine wickets against the West Indies. Much later, in the year 1995, he marked another significant milestone by securing his 432nd Test wicket at the aforementioned stadium, thereby attaining the distinguished position of being the most successful wicket-taker globally. In 1996, the stadium played host to a Test match between the South African team and a yet unidentified opponent, resulting in a low-scoring game that concluded with a 170-105 victory for the visiting team.
Furthermore, apart from the aforementioned individual records, the stadium has also served as a venue for matches in the prestigious 1987, 1996, and 2011 editions of the Cricket World Cup. The facility attained significant attention as a central location for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2006, having accommodated five out of the fifteen scheduled games. The arrangements for the aforementioned tournament entailed noteworthy refurbishments, which encompassed the implementation of three novel pitches, a fresh outfield, the installation of floodlights, and the provision of covered stands.
On the 24th of February, 2021, the venue colloquially known as the stadium underwent a rebranding, officially being renamed as the Narendra Modi Stadium by the Gujarat Cricket Association. This decision was made following the tenure of the present Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, as president of the Gujarat Cricket Association from 2009 to 2014, and as chief minister of the state from 2001 to 2014. The stadium recently served as the venue for the finale of the 2023 iteration of the Indian Premier League (IPL) held on May 28th. It is currently scheduled to host the match between India and Pakistan during the forthcoming 2023 One Day International (ODI) World Cup.
Narendra Modi Stadium Records
The Narendra Modi Stadium, situated at the central venue of Motera, Ahmedabad, India, holds a significant position in the global cricketing arena, primarily due to the numerous records permanently etched in its history. The vivid architectural magnificence of the stadium, in conjunction with its gargantuan attendance potential of 132,000 onlookers, instills it with an unrivaled status not just within India but as well across the globe, thereby establishing it as a unique and exceptional sports venue. The immense extent of the edifice, paired with state-of-the-art facilities, presents an unparalleled experience for individuals partaking in athletic activities and those observing said events.
The stadium has functioned as the locus for a wide array of cricket matches, including a myriad of international contests as well as exclusive domestic tournaments. As a result, it has provided testimony to numerous instances of exceptional and persistent importance within the storied history of the sport. The assortment of records held at the aforementioned premises, which encompasses exceptional performances in high-stakes matches, closely-fought encounters, and impressive showcases of personal proficiency, provide substantiation of the extensive heritage and considerable level of cricketing proficiency that the Narendra Modi Stadium has embraced over the course of its existence.
Narendra Modi Stadium T20 Records
In the realm of fast-paced and high-energy Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, the Narendra Modi Stadium has served as an auspicious platform for teams to exhibit their talents. The commencement of T20I cricket at the stadium was marked by a fervent engagement featuring India and Pakistan, longstanding rivals, on December 28th, 2012. The cricket team of India emerged triumphant in the contest, achieving a decisive victory with a margin of 11 runs. This achievement marked the commencement of the Twenty20 International tournament at the stadium, creating an ambience of excitement and enthusiasm.
Ever since its electrifying inception, the arena has served as a hub for a multitude of additional T20I fixtures, each of which has contributed to the stadium’s expanding prestige within the domain of global cricket. In March 2021, a sequence of fixtures involving India and England featured a highly intense and formidable display of cricket. The matches in question were indicative of authentic T20 cricket, as both teams fiercely contended for dominance and provided the audience with an exhilarating experience. The cricket match that took place on March 20, 2021 is noteworthy as it resulted in India winning against England by a significant margin of 36 runs. This victory further augmented India’s already impressive record at the specific venue.
The Narendra Modi Stadium recently played host to a T20I match which was characterized by a display of exceptional cricketing prowess, thereby upholding the tradition of excellence in this sport. On the 1st of February 2023, a cricket match took place between India and New Zealand, wherein India emerged victorious with an impressive margin of 168 runs. The triumph showcased India’s sovereignty in the aforementioned format, whilst simultaneously contributing to the stadium’s already noteworthy T20 legacy. The Twenty20 International matches held at the Narendra Modi Stadium have significantly contributed to the extensive fabric of cricketing history, leaving indelible recollections in the thoughts of cricket enthusiasts globally.
Narendra Modi Stadium IPL Records
Thus far, the stadium has functioned as a location for 26 matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL), wherein the results have demonstrated equitable division between the batting team and the pursuing team, with both cohorts having achieved 13 triumphs. The aforementioned proposition implies that the pathway has been properly sustained and unbiased. The team from GT has accomplished a commendable performance at the designated venue, culminating in a triumph in 62 instances. During a solitary season, only 5% of the eight matches that were contested.
In terms of individual accomplishments, the Narendra Modi Stadium boasts a noteworthy achievement of the highest score attained by a single player in a single inning. This accomplishment stands at an impressive 233 runs, a record set by GT. The aforementioned threshold was attained within the context of the Qualifier 2 for the Indian Premier League (IPL) of 2023, which was underscored by the superlative exhibition of skill executed by Shubman Gill in the course of the competition against the Mumbai Indians. In the year 2014, the stadium established a record minimum total of 102, which was attained by RR while competing against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The stadium has exhibited an average inaugural score of 170 during the initial innings. A competitive pitch is present, denoted by the numeral 8.
During the Qualifier match between MI and their opposition, Shubman Gill accomplished a remarkable feat by scoring a staggering 129 runs. This noteworthy achievement stands as a new milestone, establishing the highest score in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the said venue. The aforementioned feat has exceeded the previous record of 106 runs, upheld by Jos Buttler. Gill has demonstrated remarkable proficiency in the sporting arena, having amassed the greatest number of runs at the location, totalling 630 and continuing to amass. Mohammed Shami, the cricketer hailing from GT, delivered an exceptional performance on the bowling front during a match against DC in the IPL, thereby establishing the best bowling figures in the stadium’s history with an impressive tally of 4/11. At present, Shami holds the topmost position in terms of the highest number of wickets secured at the stadium, totaling to 20. Following the aforementioned pattern, Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan subsequently replicate the similar action.
Narendra Modi Stadium Events
The stadium has served as a venue for numerous programs organized by the Government of Gujarat, and has notably played host to the Cricket World Cups of 1987, 1996, and 2011. By the year 2022, the stadium had facilitated a total of fourteen Test matches, twenty-seven One Day International (ODI), six Twenty20 International (T20I) matches, and two Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, comprising the conclusive matches of the 2022 installment. This event has been accorded a position in the Guinness Book of World Records owing to its attainment of the highest documented attendance for a match, with 101,566 spectators present.
The Narendra Modi Stadium boasts a significant legacy in the realm of international cricket. In 1987, Sunil Gavaskar achieved the commendable feat of becoming the first cricketer to amass 10,000 runs in Test cricket against Pakistan, thereby etching his name in the annals of cricketing history. In 1983, Kapil Dev achieved a nine-wicket haul during a match against the West Indies at the stadium, whereby he attained his 432nd Test wicket in the same venue, thereby surpassing Sir Richard Hadlee’s former record to become the foremost wicket-taker globally in 1995.
During the IPL edition of 2023, a total of 7 matches were hosted at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Among these, four matches were triumphed by the team that batted first, while three matches were claimed by the team that opened the bowling innings. According to statistical data gathered during the current season, the mean score achieved in the initial innings at the location was found to be 187, while the mean score attained in the subsequent innings was found to be 167. The most significant cumulative score achieved at the stadium throughout the IPL 2023 season was 227/2 in a duration of 20 overs, accomplished by GT versus LSG. Additionally, the greatest score successfully pursued was 207/7 in a span of 20 overs, achieved by KKR against GT.
The aforementioned stadium served as the location for both Qualifier 2 as well as the finale of IPL 2023. The Narendra Modi Stadium has gained attention for its recentness and aptness for facilitating high-scoring cricket matches, particularly during the upcoming IPL season in 2023. Measures have been employed by the ground staff to safeguard the pitch from abnormal fragmentation resulting from elevated temperatures, such as the application of protective covers.
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Conclusion
In essence, the Narendra Modi Stadium surpasses being merely the most extensive cricket stadium globally; it serves as a symbol of India’s advancement and prospective in the field of athletics. The aforementioned entity serves as a concrete manifestation of the country’s aspirations, featuring noteworthy cricket tournaments and functioning as an emblem of patriotic esteem. The stadium serves as an embodiment of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a manifestation of India’s prowess in establishing top-notch sporting facilities.