Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch Report: Records, Matches, Capacity, Stats

There are many cricket grounds in India, but some are special because of their past glory. And one of them is the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, which is one of the most historic grounds. Formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla, this stadium has been the center of many legendary moments in the history of the game. With its rich heritage, state-of-the-art facilities and enthusiastic fans, this ground has been the main hub of Indian cricket. From hosting India’s first Test in 1948 to Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul, this stadium has given fans many unforgettable moments.

This article provides a complete pitch report with research on statistics and historical challenges.

What’s Does The History Say About Jaitley Stadium?

The stadium was originally known as the Feroz Shah Kotla Ground. It was named after the 14th-century Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, near which it was built. Established in 1883, it is one of the oldest cricket venues in India. For decades, the ground was known for its prestigious matches and enthusiastic Delhi fans. In 2019, it was renamed the Arun Jaitley Stadium after the Union Minister and President of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).

The ground has also been the home of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy team and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Its blend of tradition and modern improvements makes it one of the most recognised cricket grounds in the country.

Capacity and Facilities

The Arun Jaitley Stadium currently has a capacity of 55,000 spectators, making it one of the largest cricket stadiums in India. The stands are divided into general seating, corporate boxes and exclusive pavilions. Its ends are named Stadium End and Pavilion End, both of which have seen many magical spells and batting masterclasses.

The ground has been renovated, with improved practice nets and modern pitch-maintenance techniques. Although steeped in history, the stadium now offers facilities that meet international standards.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has traditionally been known for its slow nature. Over the years, it has favoured spinners over pace bowlers. Batsmen often find it easier to score once they are set up, but big scores are rare compared to flat pitches like Wankhede or Chinnaswamy. The Kotla surface generally favours bowlers who can take advantage of the low bounce, while batsmen have to rely on patience and accuracy.

In Test matches, the pitch deteriorates as the game progresses, forcing spinners to come into play from the third day onwards. In ODIs and T20s, the surface usually produces average first innings scores, with 160-170 overs in T20s and 250-280 overs in ODIs being competitive. However, in evening matches, dew can be a factor, favouring the chasing team.

Famous Matches and Records

The Arun Jaitley Stadium has witnessed some of the most unforgettable moments in cricketing history. Here are some highlights:

• Anil Kumble’s Perfect 10 (1999): At this venue, Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in a Test match. Thus, joining England’s Jim Laker as the only bowlers to achieve this historic milestone.
• India’s First Post-Independence Test (1948): The stadium hosted its maiden Test when West Indies toured India for a five-match series. Led by John Goddard, the Windies became part of history as India entered its new era in cricket.
• Record Tenth-Wicket Stand (1952): Hemu Adhikari and Ghulam Ahmed shared a partnership of 109 runs for the 10th wicket, against PAK. It was a record that remains unbeaten at the Kotla.
• S. Venkataraghavan’s Debut Brilliance (1965): In his debut series, Venkataraghavan picked 8 for 72 and 4 for 80 against New Zealand.
• Spin Magic of Bedi and Prasanna (1969-70): This spin duo bowled India to a famous victory over Australia, sharing 18 wickets between them.
• John Lever’s Debut (1976): The English cricketer shone with a half-century and figures of 10 for 70, making his debut at the Kotla unforgettable.
• Gavaskar Equals Bradman (1983-84): Sunil Gavaskar scored his 29th Test century at this ground. This ends up equaling Sir Don Bradman’s long-standing record for most hundreds in Test cricket.
• Tendulkar Breaks Gavaskar’s Record (2005-06): Sachin immortal his name into cricket’s history by with his 35th Test century at this venue.
• Controversial ODI Abandonment (2009): The stadium faced a setback when an ODI between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned. It was due to an unsafe pitch, raising concerns over its international future. However, the venue recovered and continues to host global fixtures.

Domestic and IPL Significance

The Arun Jaitley Stadium has been the home ground of the Delhi Ranji team for decades. It is also the home ground of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. While the Capitals’ tournament journey has been full of ups and downs, the enthusiastic Delhi crowd has never been absent in large numbers. The Kotla is often known for its enthusiastic atmosphere, where fans create a lively atmosphere for the teams.

In the IPL, the pitch generally favours spinners, making it difficult for batsmen to hit consistently from the line. Matches here often see medium scores, with bowlers playing a bigger role than on more batting-friendly surfaces.

Statistical Overview

Here’s a breakdown of the stadium’s numbers across formats:

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