Delhi

Arun Jaitley Stadium

New Delhi

Feroz Shah Kotla ground, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi

110002

India

Arun Jaitley Stadium, a cornerstone of Indian cricket, is a historic Cricket stadium renowned for its electric atmosphere and batting-friendly pitches. Nestled in New Delhi, this iconic venue, formerly Feroz Shah Kotla, is a top destination for cricket fans eager to experience IPL 2025 matches, Test cricket, and ODIs. Dive into its storied past, pitch analysis, facilities, and travel tips with our detailed guide on Cricpredictor’s Cricket Stadiums page.

History of Arun Jaitley Stadium

Founded in 1883, Arun Jaitley Stadium ranks as India’s second-oldest active Cricket stadium, trailing only Eden Gardens. Initially named Feroz Shah Kotla after the nearby 14th-century fort built by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq, it was rechristened in 2019 to honor Arun Jaitley, former DDCA President and India’s Finance Minister. Jaitley’s ₹100 crore renovation in the 2000s elevated it to a world-class Cricket venue. Managed by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), the stadium has grown from humble beginnings into a global cricket hub.

Notable moments include Anil Kumble’s legendary 10/74 against Pakistan in 1999, joining Jim Laker as the only bowlers to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings. A 12-month ICC ban in 2009 followed an abandoned India-Sri Lanka ODI due to a hazardous pitch, but the stadium recovered to host 2011 World Cup matches. It remains a stronghold for Team India, unbeaten in Tests since 1987. Uncover more historic feats on our Cricket News page.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002, India, Arun Jaitley Stadium is centrally positioned near Old Delhi, close to landmarks like the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Delhi Parsi Anjuman Hall, making it a cricket tourist hotspot. Here’s how to get there:

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport (16 km) is a 30-45 minute taxi ride (₹300-500) or metro journey via Delhi Gate Station (₹30-50, 1 km walk).
By Rail: New Delhi Railway Station (3 km) offers taxi (₹100-150), auto-rickshaw (₹50-80), or bus (₹10-20) connections.
By Metro: Delhi Gate Metro Station (Violet Line, 1 km) is a short walk or e-rickshaw ride (₹20-30).
By Road: Buses stop at Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi Gate, or Daryaganj (₹5-15). Taxis and autos are plentiful.

Plan your trip with our Cricket Stadiums guide for navigating New Delhi during IPL 2025 or Test matches.

Architecture and Design

Boasting a seating capacity of 41,820, including 1,700 new seats in the Old Club House, Arun Jaitley Stadium delivers an intimate yet modern cricket-watching experience. The 2000s renovation, led by Arun Jaitley, introduced stands named after Bishan Singh Bedi, Mohinder Amarnath, Gautam Gambhir, and Virat Kohli. Dressing rooms pay tribute to Raman Lamba (home) and Prakash Bhandari (away). The compact field, with short boundaries (60-65 meters in T20s), favors batsmen. The pitch, initially grassy, aids early swing in Tests but flattens for big scores (average first innings: 349). Spinners reign on days 4-5. Bowling ends are Stadium End and Pavilion End.

Explore stadium designs on our Cricket Stadiums page.

Famous Matches and Events

Arun Jaitley Stadium has hosted 37 Tests, 28 ODIs, and 13 T20Is (as of April 2023), earning its place as a cricket legacy venue. Memorable matches include:

1999 Test vs. Pakistan: Anil Kumble’s 10/74, clinching India’s victory.
2005 Test vs. Sri Lanka: Sachin Tendulkar’s 35th Test century, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s record.
2023 ODI World Cup: South Africa’s 428/5 vs. Sri Lanka, the highest ODI total here.
2017 T20I vs. New Zealand: India’s first T20I at the venue, marking Ashish Nehra’s farewell.
2024 IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 266/7 vs. Delhi Capitals, the highest IPL score at the stadium.

Records feature Dilip Vengsarkar’s 673 Test runs, Anil Kumble’s 58 Test wickets, and David Warner’s 1,048 IPL runs. The highest Test score was West Indies’ 644/8 in 1959. The stadium also hosts Ranji Trophy matches. Relive these moments on our Cricket Related Videos page.

Facilities

Arun Jaitley Stadium offers premium amenities for spectators, players, and media:

Spectators: Comfortable seating (blue, orange, green zones), 77 new washrooms (47 for men, with sanitary pad dispensers for women), and food stalls like Wow! Momo and Moburgs (₹100-300). Parking is limited to 300 vehicles, with match-day lots at Ambedkar Stadium or Daryaganj (₹100-200). Nine new lifts and dedicated areas ensure accessibility for differently-abled fans.
Players: Modern dressing rooms with sauna baths, ice bath tubs, and a gym. Practice facilities include five pitches in Area 1 (two new), eight in Area 2 (one new), and an indoor training area.
Media: A spacious press box with workstations, high-speed Wi-Fi, and audio-visual conference rooms.

Discover more amenities on our Cricket Stadiums page.

Unique Features

Arun Jaitley Stadium shines with distinctive elements:

Floodlights: Power thrilling day-night matches since the 2000s.
Named Stands: Honor cricketing legends, adding historical allure.
Ashish Nehra End: A rare tribute for Nehra’s 2017 farewell T20I.
Corporate Boxes: 37 boxes, including DDCA Lounge and BCCI Box, offer premium viewing.
Security Systems: CCTV, emergency exits, and fire safety ensure a secure cricket experience.

The compact ground and passionate Delhi crowd create an unmatched vibe. Explore unique features on our Blogs page.

Upcoming Events

Arun Jaitley Stadium will host IPL matches for Delhi Capitals (March-May 2025, schedule TBD), alongside potential Ranji Trophy games and domestic T20s in late 2025. Tickets are available via BookMyShow, PayTM Insider, or the DDCA website. VIP boxes and corporate suites can be booked through the DDCA office (011 2331 9323). Secure IPL 2025 tickets early to avoid sell-outs. Track updates on our IPL 2025 Match Schedule page.

Fan Experience

The stadium’s prime New Delhi location attracts vibrant crowds, with over 10,000 fans chanting “DRS-DRS” during appeals, as seen in the 2023 India-Australia Test. Delhi fan Priya raved, “Watching IPL 2024 here was electric! The food stalls and close-up pitch view were unforgettable, despite parking challenges.” The intimate setup boosts crowd energy, though some stands have pillar obstructions. Delhi fans are famed for witty banter, but inconsistent bag policies can annoy. Share your story on our Contact Us page.

🌍Pitch Report & Conditions

The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch is a batting-friendly haven, fueled by short boundaries (60-65 meters in T20s) and a dry, hard surface. Its behavior shifts across T20, ODI, and Test formats, shaped by Delhi’s weather and pitch wear. Below is a detailed pitch report for each format. For match predictions tailored to pitch conditions, visit our Match Prediction page.

T20 Format

Pitch Characteristics

Nature: A batting paradise with short boundaries and a flat, dry surface ensuring consistent bounce. Minimal seam movement fuels aggressive strokeplay.
Average First Innings Score: ~166 in IPL matches (up to 2024). Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 266/7 vs. Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 highlights its run-friendly nature.
Boundary Scoring: Short square boundaries favor lofted drives and aerial shots. Straight boundaries are longer but reachable for power-hitters.
Early Overs: Minimal swing in the powerplay. Pacers rely on slower balls or cutters.
Middle Overs: Spinners gain grip in dry conditions, but the small ground aids mishits. Wrist spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal thrive.
Death Overs: High-scoring. Yorkers and wide slower balls are critical for bowlers.

Conditions Impacting Play

Weather: IPL matches (March-May) occur in warm, dry Delhi weather (25-35°C). Evening games benefit from dew, favoring chasing teams.
Dew Factor: Significant in April-May T20s, reducing spinners’ grip. Chasing dominated in IPL 2024.
Floodlights: Boost batting confidence in night games.

Statistical Insights

Wickets Breakdown: Pacers (~60%), spinners (~40%). Spinners excel in dry, day games.
Chasing vs. Defending: Chasing holds a 55% win rate in IPL due to dew.
Highest T20 Score: 266/7 by Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2024).
Key Performers: David Warner (1,048 IPL runs), Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin.

Tactical Tips

Batting: Opt to chase in dew-heavy games. Maximize powerplay and attack spinners square.
Bowling: Pacers mix yorkers and slower balls. Spinners leverage straight boundaries.
Fantasy Picks: Warner, Pant, Kagiso Rabada, wrist spinners. Explore odds on our Betting Sites page.

ODI Format

Pitch Characteristics

Nature: Batting-friendly with a hard, dry surface. Short boundaries boost scores, but early swing aids bowlers.
Average First Innings Score: ~260-280. South Africa’s 428/5 vs. Sri Lanka (2023 World Cup) is the highest ODI total.
Early Overs: Morning starts (November-February) offer swing for 5-10 overs due to moisture.
Middle Overs: Flattens, favoring batsmen. Spinners find turn in dry conditions. Run rate: ~5.5-6 runs/over.
Death Overs: Scores surge. Bowlers use slower balls and knuckleballs.

Conditions Impacting Play

Weather: ODI World Cup (October-November) brings cooler temperatures (20-30°C). Mild dew in day-night games.
Pitch Wear: Minimal in 50 overs, ensuring batting consistency.
Lighting: Smooth day-night transitions.

Statistical Insights

Wickets Breakdown: Pacers (~55%), spinners (~45%). Spinners control middle overs.
Chasing vs. Defending: Defending viable with >300 totals. 50% win rate for batting first.
Key Performers: Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Anil Kumble.
Record: South Africa’s 428/5 (2023).

Tactical Tips

Batting: Bat first to post 300+. Build partnerships and accelerate after 35 overs.
Bowling: Pacers target early swing. Spinners use flight.
Fantasy Picks: Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja.

Test Format

Pitch Characteristics

Nature: Balanced, initially batting-friendly. Early swing flattens for big scores (average first innings: 349). Spinners dominate days 4-5.
Pitch Evolution:
- Day 1: Greenish tinge aids pacers with swing.
- Day 2-3: Batting haven. Run rate: ~3.5-4 runs/over.
- Day 4-5: Cracks widen, favoring spinners (44% wickets since 2000).
Boundaries: Short square boundaries (60-65 meters) reward drives.
Highest Test Score: West Indies’ 644/8 (1959).

Conditions Impacting Play

Weather: Winter Tests (November-February) feature cool mornings (15-25°C), aiding swing. Hot afternoons dry the pitch.
Pitch Preparation: Grass early, hard base for batting. Sharp turn by day 5.
Venue Record: India unbeaten since 1987.

Statistical Insights

Wickets Breakdown: Spinners (~44%), pacers (~56%). Spinners take 60% on days 4-5.
Batting Records: Dilip Vengsarkar (673 runs), Sachin Tendulkar.
Key Moment: Anil Kumble’s 10/74 (1999).
Match Outcomes: Rare draws (6 in 37 Tests).

Tactical Tips

Batting: Bat first to amass runs on days 1-3. Survive early swing.
Bowling: Pacers target fuller lengths. Spinners use flight later.
Fantasy Picks: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin.

General Observations Across Formats

Pitch Consistency: Dry, hard surface drives high-scoring games. T20s and ODIs favor batsmen, Tests balance bat and ball.
Weather Influence: Cooler months aid bowlers in Tests and ODIs. Warm IPL months make T20s batting-heavy with dew.
Spin Dominance: Spinners excel in Tests and dry T20s/ODIs. Anil Kumble’s legacy underscores this.
Venue Aura: Compact 41,820 capacity and vibrant Delhi crowd amplify pressure, as seen in India’s Test invincibility since 1987.

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FAQ

The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch is batting-friendly, especially in T20s and ODIs, thanks to short boundaries (60-65 meters) and a dry, hard surface. IPL matches average ~166 in the first innings, with Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 266/7 (IPL 2024) as evidence. In Tests, early swing helps bowlers in cooler months, but the pitch flattens (average first innings: 349). Spinners dominate days 4-5, taking 44% of Test wickets since 2000, exemplified by Anil Kumble’s 10/74 (1999). Master fantasy cricket on our Why Choose Cricpredictor page.

Arun Jaitley Stadium seats 41,820, including 1,700 new seats in the Old Club House. Stands named after Bishan Singh Bedi, Mohinder Amarnath, Gautam Gambhir, and Virat Kohli add charm. The compact design keeps fans close to the action. Secure IPL tickets via our IPL FAQ page.

Fan Tip: Opt for Gautam Gambhir or Virat Kohli stands for clear views.