M. Chinnaswamy Stadium or Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Stadium, one of the country’s renowned cricketing venues, was established in 1969 and was named after the visionary administrator M. Chinnaswamy, who had contributed significantly in Indian and Karnataka cricket. It was located in the heart of the busy city, Bengaluru, and had several historical matches along with moments etched in cricketing history.
Overview of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Year Established: 1969
- Seating Capacity: 40,000
- End Names: Pavilion End, BEML End
- Floodlights: Yes
- Home Teams: Karnataka
- Curator: Narayan Raju
- Earlier Known As: Karnataka State Cricket Association Stadium
The stadium finally gained Test status in 1974-75 when it hosted its first Test match between India and West Indies, and this was the very match where two West Indian legends, Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards, made their Test debut. Over the years, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has become a synonym for some of the most exciting matches, blockbuster player performances, and an electric cricket atmosphere.
Historical Highlights of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
Foundation and Naming: The foundation stone of the stadium was laid in May 1969, and construction began in 1970. The stadium was initially called the KSCA Stadium and was later named after M. Chinnaswamy, ex-president of the BCCI and a doyen of Karnataka cricket.
Test Status and Milestones:
- The first Test that was played on the ground in the 1974-75 season against the West Indies was unfinished but witnessed a thrilling contest.
- Probably the most impressive innings Sunil Gavaskar played in Test cricket was his against Pakistan in 1987 during his last Test. It must be one of the most memorable moments when Indian cricket recalls it.
Renovation and Floodlights: The ground underwent heavy renovation in the 1990s. To host the quarter-final between India and Pakistan for the World Cup in 1996, floodlights were installed here.
Memorable Matches:
- Michael Clarke started his Test career in style with a century in 2004.
- Anil Kumble took his 400th wicket.
- South Africa finally won the test series in 2000.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Weather
Tropical climate seems to influence most of the matches played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The climatic conditions mainly include:
- Summer: The temperature ranges between 20 to 35° Celsius, which appears to be ideal for playing day games, but the extra afternoon session creates a slight burden for the players.
- Monsoon: During June and September, the rain would affect the matches. There would be quite humid weather during this time, and it would make the ball-handling pretty tough.
- Winter: Cool temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees make winter evenings perfect for cricket. However, the ball does take on some moisture and can become slippery as dew during night matches are inevitable.
The elevation of the stadium is at 920 meters above sea level, which lowers the air density, encouraging more high-scoring matches as the ball travels further.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Pitch Report and Behavior
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch is known to be a good batting strip, especially in the limited overs format. Here’s a run-through:
- T20: A paradise for batsmen, a flat surface with small boundaries, thrillers mostly occur with high scores.
- ODIs: Initially, it’s seaming because the pitch gets fresh but later on, it becomes batting friendly. In the later stages of the game, spinners get grip.
- Test Matches: Days 1 and 2 give true bounce but favour batsmen. By the third day, cracks develop, which then benefit spinners and balance out things for competition.
Dew during evening matches may impact the spinners.
Records and Stats at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
Match Type | First Match | Last Match | Highlights/Records |
---|---|---|---|
Test Matches | India vs West Indies, Nov 22-27, 1974 | India vs New Zealand, Oct 16-20, 2024 | – Sunil Gavaskar’s masterclass in 1987 – Anil Kumble’s 400th Test wicket |
ODI Matches | India vs Sri Lanka, Sep 26, 1982 | India vs Netherlands, Nov 12, 2023 | – Rohit Sharma’s double century against Australia in 2013 – India’s 383/6 vs Aus |
T20I Matches | India vs Pakistan, Dec 25, 2012 | India vs Afghanistan, Jan 17, 2024 | – Chris Gayle’s blistering IPL 175* remains unmatched |
Women’s Matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- First Women’s Test: West Indies Women vs India Women, 31 October-02 November 1976
- Last Women’s ODI: South Africa Women vs India Women, Jun 23, 2024
- First Women’s T20I: India Women vs South Africa Women, Nov 30, 2014
The stadium has also hosted Under-19 Test matches with the last one played in January 2005.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Capacity and Boundary Length
- Capacity: 40,000
- Boundary Length: The mean boundary length measures from 55 to 60 meters, hence adding considerably to big scores in limited-overs formats.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Location
The stadium is located at the center of Bengaluru; the location is Kasturba Road, Gandhi Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001. Its location ensures easy access through:
- Rail: The railway station of Bengaluru City is nearby.
- Air: Kempegowda International Airport is about 35 kilometres away.
Conclusion
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of the two jewels in India’s cricketing crown, and this is where pride resides-with its vivid history, moments that go down in history, and matches that will be remembered for a very long time. Right from peculiar weather to short boundaries and pitch conditions, this place has acquired special status among its players and the fans. Sunil Gavaskar’s swansong, exciting T20 matches-these are, indeed, among the pieces of history in the making inside the stadium.
FAQs
What is the seating capacity of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?
The stadium has a seating capacity of 40,000, making it one of the premier cricket venues in India.
Who scored the highest individual Test score at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?
Younis Khan holds the record with 267 runs during the India vs Pakistan Test in 2005.
What are the best bowling figures in a match at the stadium?
Harbhajan Singh’s 11/224 against Australia in 2004 are the best match bowling figures at this venue.
Who has the most Test wickets at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?
Anil Kumble leads with 41 wickets in 9 matches, including four five-wicket hauls.