By SRTeam India sure has some of the smallest cricket stadiums in the entire world, but there are a few of those that are actually much more popular than the others. But if we were to specifically talk about the small cricket stadiums in India, there are a few that stand out from the rest, not just because of their small size, but the backstory of that place and the current importance. And that’s what we’re onto today actually, here we are about to take a good look at the top 10 small cricket stadiums in India now. So, here we go then.
1. Dharamshala Stadium, Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala Stadium is, among other things, one of the cricket grounds in the world that hosts matches at the highest vantage point, and that’s just an amazing fact right there. You see, it is indeed situated at 1,457 meters above sea level, and worth a journey not only for the matches it hosts but also because of the really breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, you know? Although only 23,000 can sit here, it is grand across the board and has played host to numerous international and IPL games since it was inaugurated in 2003 for players as well as fans who usually swarm around it because of its peaceful environment and world-class facilities.
2. Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Next on the list, you see, the “Pink City’s Cricket Gem” has been a super popular choice for cricket lovers since 1969, Sawai Mansingh Stadium has a capacity of 23,185. There is a buzzing atmosphere at the event with enthusiastic local fans. It is a venue for Rajasthan Royals and a place for some of IPL’s best contests. The pitch is spin-friendly and manages to pose a threat even to some of the more experienced batsmen, hence making all matches unpredictable and thrilling, you know?
3. Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
Then, with a seating capacity of 20,000, Brabourne Stadium will always be of historical importance in the scene of Indian cricket, but if you’re someone who recently started following cricket, then you may not know that it was on this ground where India achieved its very first Test victory at home against any opponent in 1952. That’s a pretty historic place, don’t you think? As for where it is, well, located at the heart of Mumbai, the very colonial look of the structure adds a different flavor of time to the ambiance, and that’s why watching a cricket match here is just a whole different vibe. The smallest stadium on the list holds too much history and a soothing environment that makes it a favorite ground for both IPL and domestic cricket spectators.
4. Green Park Stadium, Kanpur
Next on the list, this stadium was inaugurated in the year 1945 with a seating capacity of only 18,000, thereby ranking it amongst the smallest cricket venues in the country. It got its name from a British lady who used to horse-ride in this area. Very much famous for the first Test victory of India against Australia, and famous for its short straight boundaries resulting in exciting high-scoring games.
5. Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Do you know that Holkar Cricket Stadium is where Virender Sehwag scored history’s most famous 219 runs in ODIs? Yes, that’s the spot! As for a little bit of history here, you see, opened in 2003 and seating 26,000, it is a tad larger than the others on this list but is still pretty small by world standards. It is well known for its batsman-friendly pitch and lightning outfield and ensures entertaining matches, particularly in ODIs and IPL.
6. Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
And this next one, you see, one of the beautiful stadiums on this list is located on the shores of Visakhapatnam. Here though, with a total capacity of 27,500, it is well known for having very good pitches, which allow both batsmen and bowlers to keep their heads high, you know, hit sixes, quite a lot actually. The seaside location gives moisture in the air sometimes, adding to the match’s interest. Since its opening in 2003, it has been a home ground for white-ball cricket.
7. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun
This stadium, which opened in 2016, has a capacity of twenty-five thousand and is situated in the beautiful and kinda breathtaking hills of the city. If you have been following the game for quite a while, you may already know that it has become a venue for most of the previous famous matches with a seating capacity of just 25,000. This also has been the venue of home matches for Afghanistan. With such intimate and modern surroundings, the experience of viewing cricket is bound to be very close.
8. Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, Surat
Not very huge at 7,000, Lalbhai Contractor Stadium is the smallest one in India, found in Surat and opened in 1996 for viewing domestic games only, nurturing the grassroots level talents emerging in cricket, you know? Sure enough, all the more close-knit in the atmosphere, a stadium of this kind would give every single audience a close feeling with actions taking place with gamut by spectating it solely.
9. Nehru Stadium, Kochi
Next on the list, you see, with a capacity of 40,000 thousand, it is one of the multi-sport stadiums in Kochi. The venue is famous for its terrific crowd presence during IPL matches and adds vibrant colors to cricket in the vicinity. Although this stadium has more space than most of the venues on this list, it still does carry a certain characteristic because of its versatility and energy.
10. Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Opened back in 2012, Barsapara Stadium is one of the new entries to the cricket map of Northeast India. With a capacity of 40,000, the stadium has quickly transformed into a place for both IPL and international games. You know, its kinda updated infrastructure coupled with fiery support from the locals has already added it to the key venues making for the expansion of cricket within the region.
Conclusion
There you have it. These had to be the top 10 small cricket stadiums in India as of 2024, and if you get a chance to next time witness a first-class or even an IPL match in one of these stadiums, do not miss it. Chances are, the overall vibe is going to be quite electrifying and you’ll certainly love it.
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