Reliance Stadium (Vadodara)
Built in 1990

For a small city like Vadodara, it has a rare distinction of having two international cricket stadiums and four first-class cricket grounds. Currently, Reliance Stadium hosts all the international matches, an honour which was earlier held by Moti Bagh Stadium — Asia’s oldest cricket ground.

The Reliance Stadium, which first hosted an ODI (Ind vs NZ) in 1994, is known for producing batting-friendly tracks. During the 2007 World Cup, India had scored a mammoth 341 for three against West Indies on this ground. However, the last match that was held here on Oct 11, 2007 was quite forgettable for India, as they were bundled out for 148 and were comprehensively beaten by Australia by nine wickets.

Incidentally, it is a happy hunting ground for Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored three ODI centuries on this ground and picked up man-of-the-match award in each occasion.

Reliance Stadium (Vadodara)

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, VCA Stadium (Nagpur)
Built in 2008

The newly-built stadium at Jamtha has already acquired a reputation of being one of the best in the country.

It boasts of a true wicket, where both batsmen and bowlers can use the conditions to their advantage. The first match that it hosted was the 4th Test between India and Australia (Nov, 2008), which India won by 172 runs. Interestingly, the Aussie spinner Jason Krejza had finished with 12 wickets and Harbhajan Singh with seven. 

Spread over 33 acres, it has all the modern amenities, including wi-fi environment and a capacity of accommodating 45,000 people.

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, VCA Stadium (Nagpur)

Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (New Delhi)
Built in 1883

One of the oldest cricket stadiums in India, Feroz Shah Kotla was built in 1883. It derives its name from one of the emperors of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tuglaq, who had built a fortress during his rule between 1351 and 1388. The modern stadium is part of the imposing fortress complex. The stadium has the distinction of hosting Independent India’s first Test match against the John Goddard-led West Indies team in 1948-49.

Traditionally known to be a spinners delight, Kotla has witness some memorable performances by spinners. In 1965, S Venkatraghavan had run through the New Zealand batting line-up with splendid figures of 8 for 72 and 4 for 80. In 1999, Anil Kumble emulated Jim Laker’s world record by taking a perfect 10 for 74 against Pakistan.

Currently, the stadium is undergoing renovation. It now boasts of floodlights and all other modern amenities and has a capacity of 40,000. The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA), which manages the stadium, is working on laying brand new pitches, which are believed to aid fast bowlers.

Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, PCA Stadium (Mohali, Chandigarh)
Built in 1993

The PCA stadium is truly a world-class. With excellent ground and practice facilities, the stadium has some of the finest amenities in the country. It first hosted a match, an ODI between India and South Africa, in November 1993. Earlier, it had one of the liveliest pitches in the country, but over the years the pitch has lost its bite and become slower and lower. However, the outfield has remained lightening fast, as a result of which high-scoring game has become a norm. It has a seating capacity of 40,000.

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, PCA Stadium (Mohali, Chandigarh)

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium (Hyderabad)
Built in 2004

Named after a former Prime Minister, it is one of the modern stadiums of India. It was built in 2004 and has a capacity to accommodate 40,000 spectators. Interestingly, a home team has never won a match in this stadium.

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

Nehru Stadium (Guwahati)
Built in 1962

It is the only stadium in the entire North-East to have hosted international matches. Built in 1962, it has a capacity of 25,000 spectators. Early morning fog and fading lights during the evening badly affects the matches in this stadium. However, it has still produced some fascinating contests. In the last match that was played here in Nov 2007, India had defeated Pakistan by five wickets.

Nehru Stadium (Guwahati)

DY Patil Stadium (Mumbai)
Built in 2008

It is considered as the sixth best cricket stadium in the world. It’s state-of-the-art facility impressed Rahul Dravid so much that he wishes to play at least one ODI before he retires. Apart from its magnificent design, thanks to architect Hafeez Contractor, a lot of care has gone into making the ground. About 200 tonnes of soil was especially air-lifted from South Africa to prepare the ground. It has one of the liveliest tracks in the country, which helps fast bowlers to extract good bounce. Its well-trimmed and lush green outfield is lightening fast. Situated about 50 km away from the city of Mumbai, it has seating capacity of 55,000, which makes it the second largest stadium in the country after Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

DY Patil Stadium (Mumbai)