Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report: Records, Matches, Stats

The stadium was originally established in 1982 as the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad. Initially, it had a capacity of around 49,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in India at that time. Over the decades, it has hosted many memorable matches, including World Cup games.

In 2015, the stadium was closed for a complete renovation. The redevelopment project aimed to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting cricket matches. After years of meticulous planning, the stadium was inaugurated in 2020. It was later renamed the Narendra Modi Stadium in honour of the Prime Minister of India, who has close ties to Gujarat.

Location And Accessibility 

• Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
• Time Zone: UTC +05:30
• Name: Adani Pavilion End, Reliance End

The stadium is strategically located in Ahmedabad, one of the most dynamic cities in India, which is well connected by road, rail and air transport. Fans from India and abroad can easily reach the venue. Its location near the Sabarmati River adds to the attraction, making it a prestigious sporting venue in Gujarat.

Pitch Report of Modi Stadium

The career of this stadium that we are revisiting here spans decades, formats and unforgettable moments.

Test Cricket

The journey of the red ball began with the match between West Indies and India on November 12, 1983. Thereafter, it extended till March 13, 2023, when Australia took on India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

The first ODI was played on October 5, 1984, when India played Australia, and the most recent tour was against England on February 12, 2025. In the meantime, ODI has become a theatre for high scores, partnerships and match-winning wickets.

T20 Internationals (T20Is)

The shortest format began with the fiery match played between India and Pakistan on December 28, 2012. The last match was played against New Zealand on February 1, 2023. Although shorter than other formats, it shows adaptability to high-pressure, fast-paced cricket.

Women’s ODIs (WODIs)

The women’s chapter opened on March 12, 2012, when the Australia women’s team faced the India women’s team. It ended on October 29, 2024, with the match between the New Zealand women’s team and the India women’s team. A journey marked by the continuity and rise of women’s cricket at the global level.

Women’s T20Is (WT20Is)

The WT20I career was short. It began on January 22, 2011 against the West Indies women’s team and ended just two days later on January 24, 2011.

Youth ODIs (YODIs)

The grassroots story began with India Under-19 vs Australia Under-19 on February 15, 1985 and ended with the same contest on March 25, 1994. The perfect nursery for a glittering senior career.

Key Features of The Stadium 

The Narendra Modi Stadium is not just about size; it is about innovation and fan experience. Some of its most attractive features include:

1. Seat Capacity: With 132,000 seats, it surpasses Australia’s Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
2. Floodlights: With floodlights, the stadium ensures excellent visibility for day and night matches. Instead, lights are installed on the edges of the roof, ensuring shadow-free playing conditions.
3. Stadium Ends: This is a symbol of modern corporate involvement in cricket infrastructure. It is known as the Adani Pavilion End and the Reliance End.
4. Multiple Pitches: The stadium has 11 clay pitches (red and black clay). Thus, it is unique in hosting consecutive matches with different conditions.
5. Modern facilities: These include luxurious dressing rooms, a gym, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, etc.
6. Eco-friendly design: The stadium uses rainwater harvesting. With its fully sustainable drainage system, it helps in quickly restarting matches after rain.

Home Teams 

• Gujarat Cricket Team (Domestic Matches)
• Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL

This stadium is the stronghold of Gujarat Cricket and has given the IPL one of its most exciting home grounds. The crowd of over 100,000 spectators during Gujarat Titans matches creates a memorable atmosphere.

Records And Memorable Matches 

Since its inception, the Narendra Modi Stadium has hosted many iconic cricketing moments. Some of the highlights include:

1. 2021 India vs England Test series – The renovated stadium hosted two Test matches in early 2021. The Pink Ball Test, especially famous when India bowled out England for just 81 runs. Axar Patel took six wickets in the second innings.
2. IPL 2022 Final – The stadium hosted the final of IPL 2022. Gujarat Titans were in their maiden season, lifting the trophy in front of their home fans by defeating Rajasthan Royals.
3. World Cup matches – The venue has been the focal point of ICC tournaments including the 2023 ODI and World Cup final. All the matches were played here in front of record-breaking crowds.
4. Highest attendance record – In 2022, the stadium witnessed the IPL final with over 101,000 fans. This sets a new record for the largest crowd ever at a cricket match.

Records And Stats at Narendra Modi Stadium 

• Established: 1982
• Capacity: 1,32,000
• Floodlights: Yes
• Last name: Adani Pavilion End, Reliance End
• Also known as: Gujarat Stadium, Sardar Patel Stadium (former names)
• Home teams: Gujarat, Gujarat Titans (IPL)
• Notable events: IPL final, ICC tournaments, Test matches

Beyond Cricket – A Multi-Purpose Venue 

Although cricket is its main use, the Narendra Modi Stadium is designed as a multi-purpose venue. It has hosted political gatherings, cultural events and large-scale ceremonies. Its scale and design make it ideal for hosting international fairs. And it remains active all year round.

Narendra Modi Stadium and the Future of Cricket 

This stadium is not just made of bricks and clay – it represents India’s growing dominance in the world of cricket. Combining modern facilities and a huge capacity, it sets a benchmark for future stadiums around the world. Hosting the biggest match and final at Motera has become a symbol of India’s key role in the development of cricket and shaping the future of the game.

It has also boosted local tourism, hospitality and infrastructure in Ahmedabad. It is making the city a major sporting destination. With India likely to host more ICC tournaments in the coming decades, this stadium will remain at the heart of cricket’s global stage.

Conclusion 

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is not only the largest cricket stadium in the world, but also a symbol of India’s unparalleled love for the game. Since its inception in 1982 as the Sardar Patel Stadium, it has been witness to unforgettable matches.

With world-class facilities and the ability to host the biggest global events, it is safe to say that the Narendra Modi Stadium is an experience. It is a testament to how cricket is celebrated in India, combining tradition and modernity on the grandest possible stage.

FAQs: Questions & Answers

Q1. Why is Narendra Modi Stadium famous?

This stadium is famous for being the largest cricket stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 1,32,000 people. It has hosted major events like the IPL final, World Cup matches and the India vs England Test.

Q2. Which teams call Narendra Modi Stadium their home ground?

The Gujarat cricket team uses it for domestic matches, while Gujarat Titans use it as their home ground in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Q3. What are the special features of Narendra Modi Stadium?

Some of its special features include 11 different pitches. Along with this, LED floodlights on the roof, luxurious facilities and eco-friendly infrastructure can also be seen in it.

Q4. Does Narendra Modi Stadium host World Cup matches?

Yes, this stadium was a major venue for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. It also makes it one of the most important grounds in world cricket.

Q5. What was the old name of Narendra Modi Stadium?

Earlier, this venue was known as Sardar Patel Stadium. Apart from this, it was also known as Motera Stadium before it was renamed as Motera Stadium in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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