M.Chinnaswamy Stadium

Bengaluru

FACTS

Duleep Trophy 2023 matches scheduled at this venue

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 matches scheduled at this venue

Venue Description

M Chinnaswamy stadium, lying in the heart of the state capital, continues to remain one of the biggest cricketing centres of the country. Starting off as a humble abode, the stadium has now turned out to be a marquee venue, capable of hosting some of the biggest cricket matches to be played in the country. Home to some of the classiest match-winners of India, Chinnaswamy stadium, in its debut Test match had the honour of hosting the West Indies in 1974. The match also marked the emergence of two modern legends, Gordon Greenidge and Sir Viv Richards. Since then, the stadium has regularly hosted Tests, although it's unfortunately considered as one of India's unluckiest venues.

Bangalore hosted the final Test against Pakistan in 1987, remembered more for the minefield of a pitch and the consequent 96 from Sunil Gavaskar, one of the best ever knocks played by the little master. The venue also hosted Sachin Tendulkar's last Test as India's captain, against South Africa in February, 2000, enabling Hansie Cronje's men complete a historic series win. Unlike traditional Indian pitches, Bangalore offers more pace and bounce and it's one of the biggest reasons why overseas teams enjoy playing on this surface.

Floodlights were installed on this beautiful ground in 1996 and the first D/N match was the epic battle between India and Pakistan in the 1996 World Cup. The other much talked about match at this venue is the Titan Cup match between India and Australia in 1996. India sneaked home by 2 wickets after local heroes, Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, were involved in a stunning 52-run partnership for the unbroken ninth wicket. Bangalore also hosted two India matches during the 2011 World Cup, with the game against England ending in a thrilling tie. The ground is also a regular host of IPL matches, with RCB playing all their home games, in front of their most loyal and boisterous supporters.

How does the pitch play?

Short boundaries and high altitude makes the Chinnaswamy track a heaven for batters in the limited-overs formats. Many big scores have been posted and chased down with immense ease. While it’s a batting paradise in the shorter format of the game, the track tends to help the pacers in Test cricket. One of the few Indian grounds to boast of a pitch with plenty of spice, many pacers have loved exhibiting their wares in the five-day version of the game.

Stats and Trivia:

Rohit Sharma scored his first ODI double hundred on this ground, a fine 209 against Australia in 2013

The venue was also the scene of Ireland's biggest win. They beat England in the 2011 World Cup encounter after Kevin O'Brien smashed a 50-ball 100, the fastest hundred in a WC match.

by Pradeep Krishnamurthy

STATS - TEST

STATS - ODI

STATS - T20