Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad is one of the most popular cricket stadiums in the world. It was built in 2004, and the first cricket match was played in 2005. Earlier, Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad was used for international matches, but the small size of the ground made it easy for players to score high. Also, after the setup of the stadium, it became the home ground of the T20 league or Indian Premier League (IPL) team named Deccan Chargers Hyderabad, and for now serves as the home ground of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2019 was held in this stadium, the match was between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians later on the match was later won by Mumbai.
| Facts | Details |
| Opened | 2004 |
| Capacity | 3800 |
| Known as | Uppal Stadium |
| Ends | Pavilion End, North End |
| Location | Hyderabad, India |
| Time Zone | UTC +05:30 |
| Home To | Hyderabad (India), Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Floodlights | Yes (6 Towers) |
| Pitch | Grass |
What is the Nature of the Pitch?
The pitch cannot be perfectly defined as there have been few matches held in this stadium, but when compared with pitches in Kolkata and Chennai, the pitch is moderate and favors spin bowlers more than the pace bowlers, as the average score come up in T20’s Since 2018 has been something around 160’s.
India successfully reached almost 350 runs in an ODI innings against Australia. On the other hand, Team India has won two tests against New Zealand and Australia, where spinners have a massive advantage and have done most of the damage in these matches.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Pitch Report
Let’s learn about the statistics of Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium records :
1) Test Records
The highest total in this stadium was given by India against Bangladesh on 9th February 2017 with the score of 687/6, where the player of the match was Virat Kohli with a score of 204 and 38 runs. India made the lowest score, 68/0, in the stadium against New Zealand.
2) ODI Records
Highest total in the stadium: 350/4 by Australia against India on 05th November 2009, and the player of the match was Sachin Tendulkar with the score of 175 (141)
England made the lowest total in the stadium against India. The match was played on 14th October 2011, and the lowest score was 175/10.
3) IPL Records
The highest IPL total was given out by Sunrisers Hyderabad against Mumbai Indians on 27th March 2024, with the score of 277/3, and the Man of the match was Abhishek Sharma with the score of 63(23).
Lowest lowest-scoring team in this stadium was Delhi Daredevils against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 04th May 2013 with the total score of 80/10.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Stats
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium stats in various formats are:
1) Test Stats
| Total Matches | 6 |
| Matches won batting first | 3 |
| Matches won bowling first | 2 |
| Average 1st Innings score | 378 |
| Average 2nd Innings score | 387 |
| Average 3rd Innings score | 241 |
| Average 4th Innings score | 148 |
| Highest total recorded | 687/6 (166 Ovs) by India vs Bangladesh |
| Lowest total recorded | 127/10 (46.1 Ovs) by West Indies vs India |
| Lowest Score Chased | 75/0 (16.1 Ovs) by India vs West Indies |
| Lowest Score Defend | 202/10 (69.1 Ovs) by India vs England |
2) ODI Stats
| Total Matches | 10 |
| Matches won batting first | 6 |
| Matches won bowling first | 4 |
| Average 1st Innings score | 296 |
| Average 2nd Innings score | 261 |
| Highest total recorded | 350/4 (50 Ovs) by Australia vs India |
| Lowest total recorded | 174/10 (36.1 Ovs) by England vs India |
| Highest Score Chased | 345/4 (48.2 Ovs) by Pakistan vs Sri lanka |
| Lowest Score Defend | 290/7 (50 Ovs) by Australia vs India |
3) T20 Stats
| Total Matches | 3 |
| Matches won batting first | 1 |
| Matches won bowling first | 2 |
| Average 1st Innings score | 230 |
| Average 2nd Innings score | 186 |
| Highest total recorded | 297/6 (20 Ovs) by India vs Bangladesh |
| Highest Score Chased | 209/4 (18.4 Ovs) by India vs West Indies |
| Lowest Score Defend | 297/6 (20 Ovs) by India vs Bangladesh |
International Information
| First Test | 12th – 16th November 2010India vs Australia |
| Last Test | 25th – 28th January 2024India vs England |
| First ODI | 16th November 2005India vs South Africa |
| Last ODI | 10th October 2023Pakistan vs Sri Lanka |
| FIrst T20I | 6th December 2019India vs West Indies |
| Last T20I | 12th October 2024India vs Bangladesh |
Trivia
Sachin Tendulkar scored 175 runs in 2009 in an ODI match while chasing Australia’s 350 runs, but still India lost the match, and Sachin Tendulkar’s score remained the highest score by India after the defeat. Also, Yuvraj Singh scored two back-to-back centuries on this ground, one against South Africa and the other one against Australia, but both the matches ended in defeat.
Conclusion
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, situated in Hyderabad, is well known for its high score formats and batting-friendly pitch, whereas the pacers have difficulty on this pitch more than spin bowlers. If we see ODIs, the first innings score of 296 is considered average, the highest total being about 350/4, which was built up by Australia. Also in test matches, India has dominated, winning two matches, and this has become possible with the spinners. The stadium observes standard performances of the players like Shubhman Gill 208 and Sachin Tendulkar’s 175.
FAQ’s About Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
Q-1) What is the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad Pitch Report?
A- The stadium pitch measures 63 meters to the right, 70 meters to the left, and 77 meters down to the ground. It provides many targets for the batsmen.
Q-2) Who is the current owner of Rajiv Gandhi Stadium?
A- The owner of Rajiv Gandhi Stadium is the Association of Hyderabad Cricket.
Q-3) What is another name for the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium?
A- People know Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium by the name of Uppal Stadium.
Q-4) Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium pitch good for batters or bowlers?
A- The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is considered favourable for batting.
Q-5) When was the first ODI played in Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad?
A- The first ODI played in Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, was played on 16th November 2005 between India and South Africa.
