Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium

Vishal Mehra

image-ln4dwosnA jam-packed RGIC stadium [X.com]

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is one of the biggest and modernest cricketing centres in India. The stadium in Hyderabad is located in the Uppal suburban region and is a rather young venue, in comparison to others present in the country. 

The venue is quite unique as it feels like a colosseum, rather than a stadium, which enables the fans to also join the festivities. Inaugurated in 2005, the stadium has become a must-keep venue for Indian administrators, which took as long as three years to complete.

Since 2005, the stadium has hosted five Tests, seven One-Day Internationals (ODI), and three T20 Internationals (T20I) so far while being a regular venue in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

No women's international match has taken place at this stadium. 
First TestIndia vs New Zealand, 12 November 2010
Last TestIndia vs West Indies, 12 October 2018
First ODIIndia vs South Africa, 16 November 2005
Last ODIIndia vs New Zealand, 18 January 2023
First T20IIndia vs Australia, 13 October 2017
Last T20IIndia vs Australia, 25 September 2022


Unveiling the Legacy

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With calls for a new stadium cropping up, given the lack of control over Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) planned to build a swanky new stadium.

With land allocated in Uppal, which was over 55 acres of land, HCA started the construction of the stadium, for which Visaka Industries Limited won a title auction as well.

However, the then Chief Minister opted to name the stadium after former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, which got cleared after an outside settlement between HCA and Visaka Industries.

One end of the stadium, i.e. the North End is named after local hero VVS Laxman.

The 55,000-capacity ground plays host to teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and the Hyderabad state cricket team, apart from India. Now defunct Deccan Chargers also hosted their matches here between 2008 and 2012.

The stadium is yet to host a World Cup (50-overs or 20-overs) encounter, men's or women's.

Over the past few years, the stadium has seen changes, with new seating being added, and roofs being built on stands, which were due for a long-time. 

Cricket Legacy: Iconic Matches and Moments

image-ln4jxenpSachin Tendulkar scored his 17,000th ODI run at Hyderabad [X.com]

  • One of India's most cherished batter, Sachin Tendulkar slammed his 17,000th ODI-run at Hyderabad, during his memorable 175-run knock against Australia in 2009. This also Tendulkar's 45 ODI century, for which the star-batter won his 60th 'Man of the Match' award.
  • Still trying to cement his way into India's 20-overs side, KL Rahul, struck a magnificent 40-ball 62 against West Indies in 2019, during which the LSG captain also went past 1,000 T20I runs, in just his 29th innings.
  • Up and-coming batter, India's new prodigy in batting, Shubman Gill produced an absolute masterclass against New Zealand at Hyderabad earlier this year. Gill slammed his maiden ODI double ton, which is the youngest in the format, and also became the joint second-fastest to 1,000 ODI runs. 

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium ODI Records And Stat

First ODI16/11/2005
Last ODI18/01/2023
Matches7
Matches Won by Home Side4 (57.14%)
Matches Touring by Touring Side3 (42.86%)
Matches Won Batting First4 (57.14%)
Matches Won Batting Second3 (48.86%)
Matches Won Winning Toss5 (71.43%)
Matches Won Losing Toss2 (28.57%)
Highest Individual Innings 208 - Shubman Gill vs New Zealand 2023
Best Bowling4/46 - Mohammed Siraj vs New Zealand 2023
Highest Team Innings350/4 (Australia)
Lowest Team Innings 174 (England)
Highest Run Chase Achieved252/2 (South Africa)

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report Batting or Bowling ?

image-ln4j6pt2Centre wickets at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium [X.com]

The track at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at Hyderabad is considered to be one of the most balanced across all cricketing venues in India.

The pitch provides equal chances for both batters and bowlers to shine and showcase their respective talents. Mostly batting-friendly, the surface enables batters ample stroke-play chances.

The pacer also have support given the bounce available from the surface, while spinners get no to minuscule assistance in limited overs. In Tests, however, the surfaces became abrasive as the sun beat down the track day after day becoming conducive to slow bowlers. 

The track slows down considerably in second innings, which sees captain's opting to bat first on most occasions. 

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium- Weather Report

image-ln4kmcl8An overcast Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium [X.com]

The climate at Hyderabad is mainly tropical, which can range from dry and wet across the year. India mostly plays during the winter season, which provides pleasant conditions to play cricket, with wind bowling through the stadium at all times. However, being near the sea, the humidity is always high. Rarely rain plays spoilsport at the venue, given its excellent drainage. 

In summer, the conditions at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium are hot, and hardly any cricket is played during the daytime, with most matches being played at night. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What Makes Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium Special?

The ambience and electrifying crowd, makes playing at Hyderabad fun, and exciting. 

Q2: How does the pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium behave?

The track at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is one of the most balanced, providing high-scoring matches for fans to witness. 

Q3: Can you suggest nearby attractions to visit along with a match at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium?

A: Some of the nearby tourist places around Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium are as follows:

  • Charminar
  • NTR Gardens
  • Golconda Fort
  • Sanjeevaiah Park