The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, situated in Uppal, Hyderabad, India, is a prominent athletic arena with a notable historical association. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) initially held their matches at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, located in the heart of Hyderabad. Notwithstanding its relatively diminutive dimensions and proclivity for high scores, the stadium failed to garner top-tier cricket fixtures. In 2003, the HCA put forth a proposal for the establishment of a novel stadium. The proposition received official sanction from the governing authorities and succeeded in garnering economic backing from Visaka Industries Limited, courtesy of an open auction. The venue, commonly referred to as Visakha International Cricket Stadium, was originally named as such but underwent a subsequent modification to the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in tribute to the former Prime Minister of India.
This article endeavors to delve into the intriguing history of the stadium, examine the T20 and ODI records established at this iconic venue, enumerate noteworthy matches that transpired, and highlight outstanding performances by cricketers who have inscribed their legacy on this revered ground. The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is a representation of the prolonged significance of cricket in Hyderabad and persists in fascinating enthusiasts with its opulent sporting inheritance.
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium - History
The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, situated in the region of Uppal in Hyderabad, India, is endowed with a compelling historical narrative. Before the inception of the aforementioned stadium, the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, which was located in the Fateh Maidan sports complex at Basheerbagh, central Hyderabad, served as the domicile cricketing venue of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). This parcel of land was under the purview of the Sports Authority of Telangana State, with the Hyderabad Cricket Association possessing restricted administrative independence in relation to it. As a consequence of its comparatively limited dimensions, the cricket pitch in Hyderabad expeditiously earned a reputation as a venue conducive to high-scoring contests, resulting in its exclusion from consideration for numerous prestige cricket matches held within India.
In 2003, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) submitted a proposal to the government of Andhra Pradesh, under the leadership of N, for the construction of a novel sports arena. Chandrababu Naidu, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, is a prominent political figure in India known for his contributions to the development of the state. The proposal was expeditiously sanctioned, and the Health Care Authority (HCA) was apportioned a financial resource for its execution. The government has identified a sizable tract of land located in Uppal which is deemed suitable for the project.
The bulk of the funding for the project was derived subsequent to the conduction of an openly held auction of the stadium’s naming rights. Visaka Industries Limited emerged victorious in the auction process by submitting a bid amounting to INR 65,00,00,000. In 2004, a pre-payment of ₹43,00,00,000 was made and subsequently the stadium was christened as the Visakha International Cricket Stadium.
By the year 2005, upon completion of the majority of the stadium, it was deemed prepared to serve as the venue for its maiden One Day International encounter, featuring India and South Africa. Rajasekhara Reddy, the erstwhile Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh pre-dating the bifurcation of Telangana, undertook a decision to rename the stadium as the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium to commemorate the legacy of the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi.
As a consequence of this ruling, HCA became obligated to remunerate Visakha Industries a sixfold sum of the agreed upon contractual value as stipulated by the contract’s provisions regulating any prospective alteration of the stadium’s name or the removal of the Visakha name from its association with the venue. As a result of governmental negotiations, the HCA was able to settle its contractual obligation for the sum of ₹43,00,00,000, which corresponded to the initial agreed-upon price.
The stadium’s extremities are referred to as the Pavilion End and the North End, respectively. In recognition of the retirement of esteemed cricketer VVS Laxman, the Hyderabad Cricket Association made the decision to pay tribute to his illustrious career by bestowing upon him the honor of naming the North End after him.
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium T20 records
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, which is alternatively referred to as the Hyderabad Cricket Stadium, is situated in the city of Hyderabad and has been in operation since the year 2003. With a maximum seating capacity of 55,000, the venue serves as the designated home ground for both the Hyderabad Cricket Team and the Indian T20 League franchise, Team Hyderabad. Since its inaugural international fixture in 2005 when India competed against South Africa in an ODI, this location has served as the site of numerous cricket contests, spanning Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The stadium served as the location for the ultimate match of the Indian T20 League in the years 2017 and 2019.
Concerning individual records, the Australian cricketer David Warner has amassed the highest number of runs at this particular venue, amounting to 1,724 runs with a notable average of 63. 85 and a commendable strike rate of 162. 03 The individual in question accomplished this remarkable feat while representing teams from the Indian T20 League, specifically Delhi and Hyderabad, as well as New South Wales. According to statistical data, Virat Kohli is presently the leading run-scorer in Twenty20 International (T20Is), having acquired 157 runs from a total of two matches. This impressive feat encompasses a highest individual score of 94 runs without losing his wicket. David Warner set the record for the highest individual score in Twenty20 (T20) cricket, achieving a remarkable feat as he scored 126 runs in just 59 deliveries during the 2017 Indian T20 League season.
Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently holds the record for the highest number of wickets in bowling, having successfully claimed 37 wickets with a notable best of 5/19 alongside an economy rate of 7. 89 The Indian spinner, Axar Patel, currently holds the record for the highest number of wickets in T20Is, having taken three wickets in a single 20-over match against Australia. The preeminent bowling statistics in T20 cricket are attributed to Alzarri Joseph, as evidenced by his exceptional 6/12 performance for Mumbai against Hyderabad during the 2019 season of the Indian T20 League.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has witnessed the setting of the highest team total in T20s at 231/2, which was scored by the Hyderabad team against Bangalore during the 2019 edition of the Indian T20 League. India currently holds the record for the highest score achieved by a team in a T20 International format, which stands at 209/4. On the contrary, the minimum aggregate achieved by a team in a complete allocation of T20 innings stands at 59 runs, which was accomplished by the Goa cricket team during the semi-final round of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament in 2011. In consideration of the lowest total recorded in the T20 International format at this venue, it should be noted that Australia had set a benchmark of 186 runs for 7 wickets in the month of September 2022.
In May 2012, the most outstanding partnership in T20 cricket at the stadium was manifested through an unbeaten union of 189 runs between the cricketers David Warner and Naman Ojha. In the realm of Twenty20 International cricket, the most considerable alliance to date constitutes a total of 104 runs, established by Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav in opposition to Australia during the year 2022.
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium ODI Records
The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, colloquially referred to as the Hyderabad Cricket Stadium, is situated in the suburb of Uppal within the state of Telangana. The aforementioned facility, which commenced operations in the year 2004, boasts a maximum occupancy of 55,000 individuals and serves as the primary venue for both the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) and Team Hyderabad in the Indian T20 League. There are two distinct termini located at the locale, namely the Pavilion End and North End. It is noteworthy that the latter was rechristened in honor of VVS Laxman, a distinguished cricket athlete hailing from Hyderabad. In 2005, the inaugural One Day International at the Hyderabad Cricket Stadium was contested between the national cricket teams of India and South Africa. As of the present date, the stadium in question has hosted a total of seven One Day Internationals (ODIs), with four victories attributed to the Indian national team out of the seven fixtures played.
In November of 2009, Australia achieved the highest team total against India, recording a score of 350/4. This feat was largely attributed to the outstanding performance of Shaun Marsh, who scored a century. Despite Sachin Tendulkar’s remarkable innings of 175 in just 141 deliveries, India was ultimately defeated by a close margin of three runs. In October of 2011, England was dismissed for a team total of 174, a record low among all competitors. Alternatively, India’s lowest score on the same ground occurred in October of 2007, where they totaled 243/10 against Australia. The stadium is renowned for its propensity to facilitate a high-scoring environment, as indicated by an average aggregate of 277 runs in the first innings and 250 runs in the second innings.
The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium has witnessed a remarkable performance by Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who has emerged as the top scorer in ODIs, amassing 233 runs over the course of three matches. Similarly, Umesh Yadav has demonstrated formidable prowess by securing six wickets in two matches at the same venue, making him the most successful wicket-taker thus far. The preeminent partnership achievement is credited to the Australian duo consisting of Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh, who established a notable 145-run partnership record against India in November of 2009. In the realm of One Day International matches, the pinnacle of individual scoring achievements at the stadium was attained by Shubman Gill, who recorded a remarkable double century (208 runs off 149 deliveries) in a match against New Zealand in January of the year 2023. In January 2023, Mohammed Siraj demonstrated exceptional bowling prowess, achieving the paramount bowling figures of 4/46 during the India vs. New Zealand cricket match. This notably contributed to India’s victory against the aforementioned opposing team, by a margin of 12 runs.
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium Events
On May 18th, 2023, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium situated in Hyderabad served as the host venue for an enthralling encounter between the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This match was the 65th fixture of the TATA Indian Premier League in its 2023 edition. This contest constituted a crucial turning point for both teams. The preceding fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) suffered a 34-run loss to the formidable GT side, posed a challenging period for the former. Having won merely four matches in a total of twelve, the team was positioned second-to-last on the points table with a grand total of eight points. Regrettably, the probability of their inclusion in the playoffs was progressively declining.
Conversely, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) encountered a critical juncture where their survival in the given context was contingent upon performing exceptionally well. In a recent demonstration of their capabilities, they exhibited a remarkable performance against RR at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, prevailing with a dominant lead of 112 runs. This victory elevated the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team to the fifth position on the point standings, having accumulated a total of 12 points. The fixture involving the teams of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore held considerable significance for the latter, as it was part of their strategy to secure consecutive victories and augment their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
Famous matches
Over the years, the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium has served as a significant platform for remarkable cricket matches and exceptional individual performances.
An exemplary demonstration was witnessed during the IPL match wherein Alzarri Joseph exhibited an outstanding performance. His bowling statistics of 6 wickets for 12 runs outstripped any previous IPL match records, rendering it a memorable feat.
The aforementioned sports arena has served as a historical venue for remarkable Test match displays. On the 12th of October, 2018, Umesh Yadav achieved his inaugural 10 wicket haul throughout his Test career at the aforementioned venue, during a match contested against the West Indies. Previously, the cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin had achieved the first instance of obtaining 10 wickets during a Test match at the aforementioned venue on 23 August 2012, while playing against the New Zealand team.
Australia established a remarkable feat in One Day International (ODI) matches by recording a total of 350/4, which represents the utmost score achieved at the concerned stadium. Yuvraj Singh has achieved the noteworthy accomplishment of recording the most runs scored at the stadium, with a sum of 233 runs across three matches. Similarly, Shubman Gill’s outstanding achievement of securing a score of 208 stands as the highest individual score achieved at the stadium. The celebrated cricketer Sachin Tendulkar achieved a significant milestone during his performance at the stadium, as he successfully amassed a total of 17,000 runs in One Day International matches, secured his 45th century in the format, and garnered his 60th Man of the Match award. In 2019, India commemorated their attainment of the 500th One Day International victory at said venue.
The inaugural Twenty20 International match was played at the aforementioned venue on December 6, 2019, with the West Indies being the opposing team. The contest yielded a substantial number of runs, resulting in India’s triumph by a margin of six wickets. On the 25th of September, 2022, another noteworthy match was held in the T20 format, featuring Australia as one of the participating teams. India emerged victorious once again, prevailing over their opponents by securing a 6-wicket triumph in the Mastercard series, thereby garnering the championship title.
FAQ
Where is the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium located?
What was the previous home ground of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA)?
When was the idea of a new stadium proposed?
Who won the auction for the stadium's title?
When did the stadium host its first ODI match?
Who is the stadium named after?
What are the ends of the stadium named?
What is the maximum capacity of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?
Who has the most runs at this venue in T20?
Who holds the record for the most wickets in T20 at this stadium?
What is the highest team total in T20s at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?
How many ODIs have been played at the stadium?
Who tops the run-scoring charts in ODIs at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium?
What is the highest individual score at the stadium in ODIs?
What recent events have been hosted at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?
Conclusion
The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, located in Uppal, Hyderabad, India, has a noteworthy legacy and has borne witness to several remarkable matches and exceptional individual displays. The erection of the stadium marked a notable achievement for the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), as it afforded them a contemporary and more capacious setting vis-à-vis their antecedent grounds, specifically Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium. Initially referred to as the Visakha International Cricket Stadium following an open auction, the aforementioned sporting facility was subsequently bestowed with the appellation of Rajiv Gandhi in tribute to the former Prime Minister of India.
Since its inception in 2004, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has emerged as a distinguished venue for international cricket. The stadium has played host to a wide range of formats of the game, namely the Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I). The Hyderabad Cricket Team and the Indian T20 League Team Hyderabad have utilized the aforementioned location as their domicile. The venue’s seating capacity of 55,000 individuals in conjunction with its notoriety for accommodating high-scoring competitions engenders a strong preference among both athletes and supporters.
The stadium has established various T20 records, wherein players such as David Warner hold the highest scores achieved at the venue while Bhuvneshwar Kumar boasts of the most wickets taken. The Hyderabad team achieved the greatest aggregate score in T20 cricket matches against Bangalore during the 2019 Indian T20 League, whereas India holds the record for the highest T20 International team total. The stadium has borne witness to notable partnerships and exceptional individual scores, leaving an enduring impression on the recollections of cricket enthusiasts.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has borne witness to several riveting encounters in the domain of One Day Internationals. Australia attained the most elevated cumulative score among the teams, while Shubman Gill’s double century is documented as the topmost individual score in the mentioned context. Yuvraj Singh currently occupies the top position in the run-scoring charts, whilst Umesh Yadav boasts commendable bowling figures in ODIs at this particular site. The stadium has borne witness to noteworthy events of historical significance, such as the accomplishments of Sachin Tendulkar, a cricketing icon, as well as the monumental triumph of India’s 500th One Day International victory.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has been the venue for numerous consequential matches, notably, the final matches of Indian T20 League held in the years 2017 and 2019. The location has served as the venue for notable displays of excellence, exemplified by Alzarri Joseph’s achievement of record-breaking bowling statistics in the Indian Premier League. The stadium has also borne witness to exceptional Test match performances executed by esteemed players such as Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium remains a revered site for cricket enthusiasts due to its notable infrastructure, lively atmosphere, and rich historical significance punctuated by countless memorable events. As the sport of cricket undergoes evolution and new benchmarks are established, this venue is likely to witness numerous illustrious episodes in its storied past.