The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad stands as a beacon of cricketing excellence, hosting numerous memorable moments in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other T20 matches. This article delves into the stadium’s rich history, offering a detailed statistical overview of T20 matches, spotlighting top player performances, and examining boundary statistics, including six lengths.
Introduction to Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
Established in 2003, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, also known as the Hyderabad Cricket Stadium, is located in Uppal, Hyderabad. With a seating capacity of approximately 55,000, it serves as the home ground for the Hyderabad cricket team and the IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. The stadium has been a witness to numerous historic cricketing events, including hosting the IPL finals in 2017 and 2019.
T20 Records and Statistics
Most Runs at the Venue
Australia’s David Warner has been a dominant force at this stadium, amassing 1,745 runs across various T20 matches, including his stints with Delhi, Hyderabad, and New South Wales. His impressive tally includes 16 half-centuries and three centuries, boasting an average of 62.32 and a striking rate of 160.97.
In the international T20 arena, Virat Kohli leads the run charts at this venue with 157 runs from two matches, highlighted by an unbeaten 94.
Most Wickets Taken
Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar tops the bowling charts at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, securing 49 wickets while representing teams like Pune and Hyderabad. His best figures at this ground are 5/19, maintaining an economy rate of 8.01.
In T20 internationals, spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel have each claimed three wickets at this venue, showcasing the pitch’s assistance to both pace and spin bowling.
Highest Individual Scores
David Warner’s 126 off 59 balls against Kolkata in the 2017 IPL season stands as the highest individual score at this stadium.
In T20 internationals, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 94 against the West Indies in 2019 remains the top individual performance.
Best Bowling Figures in an Innings
Alzarri Joseph’s remarkable 6/12 for Mumbai against Hyderabad in the 2019 IPL season are the best bowling figures recorded at this ground.
For international matches, Axar Patel’s 3/33 against Australia in September 2022 stands out as the premier bowling performance.
Team Records
- Highest Team Total: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s formidable 277/3 against Mumbai in the 2024 IPL season is the highest team score at this venue.
- Lowest Team Total: Tamil Nadu’s 59 all out against Bengal during the 2011 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy semi-final represents the lowest total recorded here.
- Highest Partnership: The unbeaten 189-run stand between David Warner and Naman Ojha for Delhi against Deccan in the 2012 IPL season is the highest partnership witnessed at this stadium.
Top Players and Their Stats at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
1. Most Runs Scored
| Rank | Player | Teams | Matches | Innings | NO | 50s | 100s | HS | Runs | Avg | S/R | Catches | Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D A Warner | Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad | 32 | 32 | 7 | 15 | 3 | 126 | 1623 | 64.92 | 160.53 | 11 | 0 |
| 2 | S Dhawan | Deccan Chargers, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad | 47 | 47 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 99* | 1477 | 36.93 | 124.22 | 17 | 0 |
| 3 | R G Sharma | Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians | 18 | 18 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 76* | 520 | 37.14 | 142.47 | 8 | 0 |
| 4 | K S Williamson | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 18 | 18 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 89 | 508 | 33.87 | 138.42 | 8 | 0 |
| 5 | V Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 11 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 100 | 486 | 48.60 | 133.88 | 3 | 0 |
2. Highest Individual Scores at the Venue
- David Warner (126 off 59 balls) vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2017
- Jonny Bairstow (114 off 56 balls) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL 2019
- Heinrich Klaasen (104 off 51 balls) vs Lucknow Super Giants, IPL 2023
- Sanju Samson (102 off 55 balls)* vs Delhi Capitals, IPL 2019
3. Most Wickets Taken at the Venue
| Rank | Player | Teams | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy | Average |
| 1 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Pune Warriors, Sunrisers Hyderabad | 40 | 49 | 5/19 | 8.01 | 21.4 |
| 2 | Rashid Khan | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 31 | 44 | 4/14 | 6.68 | 19.5 |
| 3 | Amit Mishra | Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad | 28 | 38 | 4/23 | 7.02 | 22.8 |
4. Best Bowling Figures in an Innings
- Alzarri Joseph (6/12) for Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2019
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (5/19) for Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2017
Boundary Statistics: Six-Hitting and Four-Hitting Feats
- Most Sixes at the Venue: David Warner (89 sixes)
- Longest Six Recorded: Chris Gayle (108 meters) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2013
- Most Fours at the Venue: Shikhar Dhawan (165 fours)
Team Records at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
- Highest Team Total: 277/3 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2024
- Lowest Team Total: 59 all out – Tamil Nadu vs Bengal, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2011
- Highest Successful Chase: 209/4 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals, IPL 2022
Conclusion
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad has been a fortress for Sunrisers Hyderabad and a battleground for some of the finest T20 cricketers. With its flat pitch, fast outfield, and packed stands, it continues to be one of the most exciting venues in the IPL. Expect more record-breaking performances in the upcoming seasons as the IPL evolves. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis!