Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium : Facts That’ll Blow Your Mind

Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium: A comprehensive guide for Delhi’s historic cricketing landmark

Nestled in the heart of New Delhi, Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium – known as Feroz Shah Kotla – is more than just one cricket ground; It is a living will for India’s rich cricket heritage. Established in 1883, this prestigious site has seen countless memorable moments, from historic test matches to electrifying IPL encounters. With a seating capacity of 35,200, the stadium has been a fort for the Indian cricket team and is a fundamental site for fans across the country. 

Location and access

Located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium has excellent connectivity:

1. Metro: Delhi Gate Metro Station is the closest, which provides easy access to travelers.
2. Bus Stop: A nearby stop includes Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi Gate and Dariya Ganj. Railway: Tilak Bridge railway station (TKJ) is in closeness. 
3. Air travel: About 20 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, it is accessible to international visitors.

Check This : M. Chinnaswamy Stadium: Records, Pitch & Best Moments

Stadium Overview

• Established: 1883

• Renovated: 2023

• Capacity: 35,200

• Ends: Stadium End and Pavilion End

• Tenants: India national cricket team, Delhi cricket team, Delhi Capitals (IPL)

• Operator: Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA)

The stadium underwent significant renovations in 2023, enhancing facilities for players and spectators alike. Modern amenities, improved seating, and upgraded pitch conditions have elevated the match-day experience.​

Pitch -report

The pitch at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium is famous for its unique features:

• Batting -friendly surface: The pitch is typically advocate for batsmen, especially in the early overs, fluent stroke. 
• Swing and Seam: In an innings, quick, seam bowlers can remove the swing, challenge top -order batsmen. 
• Spin-friendly: As the match progresses, the pitch helps spinners, which makes the middle overs important.
• Two-book nature: Surface can become two-book, which requires batsmen to adjust their time and shot selection. 

In T20 International, the average first innings score is around 139, in which teams often benefit second. 

Records & Statistics

Test Matches

• First Test: India vs. West Indies, 1948

• Highest Team Score: 644/8 by West Indies (1959)

• Lowest Team Score: 75 all out by India (1987)

• Most Runs: Sachin Tendulkar – 759 runs

• Most Wickets: Anil Kumble – 58 wickets

• Notable Feat: Anil Kumble’s 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999. 

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• First ODI: India vs. Sri Lanka, 1982

• Highest Team Score: 428/5 by South Africa against Sri Lanka (2023)

• Top Run-Scorers: Sachin Tendulkar (300), Virat Kohli (222), MS Dhoni (260)

• Top Wicket-Takers: Ravindra Jadeja (9), Mohammed Shami (7)

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)

• First T20I: Afghanistan vs. England, 2016

• Average First Innings Score: 139

• Teams Batting Second Wins: 9 out of 13 matches

Indian Premier League (IPL)

• Total Matches Played: 84

• Batting First Wins: 37

• Batting Second Wins: 46

• Highest Team Score: 231/4 by Delhi Capitals vs. Punjab Kings

• Lowest Team Score: 66 all out by Delhi Capitals vs. Mumbai Indians

• Top Run-Scorers: Virender Sehwag (933), Shreyas Iyer (859), Rishabh Pant (775)

• Top Wicket-Taker: Amit Mishra (58 wickets) ​

T20I & IPL Stats

Test Match Legacy at Arun Jaitley Stadium

The Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium has seen 35+ Test matches, and its slow, spin-friendly pitch has been the stage for many historic performances. The highest Test team total recorded here is 644/8 by West Indies in 1959, while the lowest was a shocking 75 by India against the same opposition in 1987.

One of the stadium’s most legendary moments came in 1999, when Anil Kumble etched his name in cricketing folklore by taking 10 wickets in a single innings against Pakistan—only the second cricketer in history to achieve this. Unsurprisingly, Kumble also holds the record for most Test wickets at the venue (58). The top run-scorer in Tests here is Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 759 runs, including multiple memorable knocks.

Fan Experience and Review

Fans often describe Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium as a site that mixes history beautifully with modernity. Recent renewal has increased the spectator comfort, with better seating space, better facilities and clear visibility. The electrical atmosphere during the matches, especially the IPL Games characterized by Delhi capitals, is often highlighted in reviews. Access and availability of local restaurants through public transport combines overall positive experience. 

Memorable Moments

• Anil Kumble’s 10-Vick Haul : In 1999, Kumble achieved a rare achievement of taking all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan. 
• Sachin Tendulkar’s 35th Test Century: In 2005, Tendulkar overtook Sunil Gavaskar’s record by scoring his 35th Test century. 
• Virat Kohli’s double century : Kohli scored a royal 243 against Sri Lanka in 2017, which shows his dominance at home turf.

Some FaQs

1. What is the seating capacity of Arun Jaitley Stadium?

The stadium can accommodate around 35,000 spectators after recent renovations aimed at improving fan experience and seating comfort.

2. What is the pitch like at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium?

The pitch at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium typically favors batsmen early on but tends to assist spinners as the match progresses. It can be two-paced, adding a challenge for batsmen in later overs.

3. What is the average score at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in IPL matches?

In IPL matches, the average first innings score at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium is around 170, with winning scores often crossing 190.

4. What are some famous records at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium?

Notable records include Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul in a Test against Pakistan and South Africa’s 428/5 in an ODI against Sri Lanka during the 2023 World Cup.