Telangana

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

Hyderabad

Habsiguda Uppal Road Near GE Capital Complex

500039

India

💛The Pulse of Hyderabad’s Cricketing Passion

Welcome to the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, fondly known as Uppal Stadium, a cricketing fortress in Hyderabad, Telangana, where passion, high-scoring thrillers, and unforgettable moments converge. Home to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL and a premier venue for international cricket, this stadium is a beacon of Hyderabad’s love for the game. From Shubman Gill’s 208 in an ODI to SRH’s record-breaking 277/3 in IPL 2024, Uppal Stadium has hosted iconic performances that echo through cricket history. Explore its rich legacy, modern amenities, vibrant fan experience, and detailed pitch report below, and discover why it’s a must-visit for fans on Cricpredictor’s Cricket Stadiums page.

History of the Stadium

Construction and Origin: Established in 2004, the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium was built to address Hyderabad’s need for a modern, dedicated cricketing facility. Before its construction, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) relied on the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium at Fateh Maidan, owned by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana). Its limited capacity and outdated infrastructure restricted HCA’s ability to host major international matches. The HCA, under the leadership of then-Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, proposed a new stadium in Uppal, an eastern suburb of Hyderabad. Spanning 16 acres, the project was funded through an auction, with Visaka Industries Ltd. securing naming rights for ₹65 crore, initially naming it Visaka International Cricket Stadium.

Purpose: The stadium was envisioned as a world-class venue to elevate Hyderabad’s cricketing stature, independent of external control, and to host international and domestic matches, including the IPL. It aimed to cement Hyderabad’s place as a cricketing hub, fostering local talent like Mohammed Siraj and Tilak Varma.

Significant Historical Events:

2005 Renaming Controversy: In 2005, then-Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy renamed the stadium after former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, breaching the naming contract with Visaka Industries. After negotiations, HCA settled for ₹43 crore, marking a pivotal moment in the stadium’s early history.
First International Match: On November 16, 2005, the stadium hosted its debut international game, an ODI between India and South Africa, establishing its global presence.
First Test Match: In 2010, India faced New Zealand in a Test match that ended in a draw, with Harbhajan Singh scoring a century, marking the stadium’s Test debut.
2023 Cricket World Cup: The stadium hosted its first ICC event, featuring three matches, including South Africa vs. Netherlands, solidifying its international stature.
IPL Legacy: Home to Sunrisers Hyderabad since 2013 (succeeding Deccan Chargers), the stadium hosted the 2017 and 2019 IPL finals, with Mumbai Indians clinching the latter. For more on IPL history, visit Cricpredictor’s IPL FAQ.

Location and Accessibility

Location: The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is situated at CH42+H62, RGI Stadium Rd, IDA Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039, in the vibrant Uppal suburb, known for its industrial and IT hubs.

How to Reach:

By Road: Located 15 km from Hyderabad’s city center (Secunderabad or Banjara Hills), the stadium is accessible via National Highway 163. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola) are plentiful, but match-day traffic can extend commutes to 30–45 minutes.
By Rail: Uppal Metro Station on the Hyderabad Metro Blue Line is a 10-minute walk away, offering a convenient option. Secunderabad Railway Station, 12 km away, is the nearest major rail hub, connected by cabs or metro.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, 30 km south, is a 45-minute drive via the PV Narasimha Rao Expressway. Airport shuttles, taxis, or Ola/Uber provide seamless access. Prepaid taxi counters at the airport offer fixed rates to Uppal.
Public Transport: TSRTC buses connect Hyderabad’s key areas to Uppal, with stops near the stadium. Budget travelers can take buses to Uppal and a short auto-rickshaw ride.

Nearby Landmarks:

Uppal Industrial Area, a bustling commercial hub, is adjacent to the stadium.
Genpact’s Hyderabad campus, an IT landmark, is nearby.
Hitec City, Hyderabad’s IT corridor, is 20 km away, making the stadium a focal point for professionals and fans.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, the former cricketing hub, is 15 km away.

For travel tips and match-day planning, check Cricpredictor’s Blogs.

Architecture and Design

Seating Capacity: The stadium boasts a capacity of approximately 55,000, though some sources cite 39,200 due to temporary seating variations. This makes it one of India’s largest cricketing venues, accommodating diverse crowds during IPL and international matches.

Unique Architectural Features:

Tiered Stands: Designed for unobstructed views, the tiered layout ensures every seat offers a clear sightline, enhancing the spectator experience.
Modern Floodlights: Upgraded in 2023, LED floodlights provide excellent visibility for night matches, a hallmark of thrilling IPL games.
Canopy Coverage: Post-2023 World Cup, canopies were added to the east and west stands, shielding fans from Hyderabad’s intense sun (35–40°C) and occasional monsoon rains.
Named Stands: Stands honor Hyderabad cricketing legends like VVS Laxman, M.L. Jaisimha, Arshad Ayub, Abbas Ali Baig, and Mohammed Azharuddin, adding a cultural touch.

Field Dimensions and Pitch Characteristics:

Boundary Length: Short boundaries (66 meters square, 70 meters straight) make it a compact ground compared to venues like the MCG, fueling high-scoring T20 and ODI games.
Pitch: The clay-based pitch offers consistent bounce and pace, ideal for stroke-makers. In limited-overs formats, it’s batsman-friendly, while in Tests, it evolves to favor spinners by Days 4–5. Early seam movement is possible for pacers, especially under lights.

The HCA’s ₹5 crore investment in 2024, funded partly by SRH, upgraded seating, dressing rooms, and washrooms, ensuring the stadium meets global standards. For more on cricket venues, visit Cricpredictor’s Cricket Stadiums.

Famous Matches and Events

Memorable Matches:

2010 Test vs. New Zealand: The stadium’s first Test ended in a draw, with Harbhajan Singh scoring a century but critiquing the pitch’s flat nature.
2017 Test vs. Bangladesh: India posted 687/6d, their highest Test total at the venue, led by Virat Kohli’s double century.
2018 Test vs. West Indies: Umesh Yadav claimed his first 10-wicket haul, securing India’s victory.
2005 ODI vs. South Africa: The stadium’s debut international match, marking its entry onto the global stage.
2009 ODI vs. Australia: Australia scored 350/4, the highest ODI total at the venue.
2023 ODI vs. New Zealand: Shubman Gill’s 208 set the highest individual ODI score here, with Sachin Tendulkar also achieving milestones (17,000 ODI runs, 45th ODI century).
2023 Cricket World Cup: Hosted three matches, including South Africa vs. Netherlands, marking its ICC debut.
IPL Classics: As SRH’s home, the stadium hosted the 2017 and 2019 IPL finals, with Mumbai Indians winning the latter. The 2024 IPL match saw SRH post 277/3 vs. Mumbai Indians, the highest IPL total at the venue, driven by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Jonny Bairstow (114) and David Warner (100*) starred in a 2019 run-fest vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Records Set:

Highest Test Total: 687/6d (India vs. Bangladesh, 2017).
Lowest Test Total: 203 (West Indies vs. India, 2018).
Highest ODI Total: 350/4 (Australia vs. India, 2009).
Highest T20I Total: 297/6 (India).
Highest IPL Total: 277/3 (SRH vs. Mumbai Indians, 2024).
Highest Individual Scores: ODI – Shubman Gill (208, 2023); IPL – Abhishek Sharma (141 vs. Punjab Kings, 2025).
Best Bowling: IPL – Alzarri Joseph (6/12 vs. SRH, 2019); Test – Ravichandran Ashwin and Umesh Yadav (10-wicket hauls).
Most Runs at Venue: Yuvraj Singh (233 runs in three ODIs).

Other Events: While primarily a cricket venue, the stadium has hosted occasional cultural events like local concerts, though its focus remains on cricket, with the 2023 World Cup and IPL events as highlights. For more on tournaments, see Cricpredictor’s Tournaments.

Unique Features

Standout Aspects:

LED Floodlights: Upgraded in 2023, these ensure crystal-clear visibility for night matches, enhancing the IPL’s electric atmosphere.
Compact Boundaries: Short boundaries (66–70 meters) create a six-hitting spectacle, perfect for T20 run-fests.
Canopy Coverage: Added post-2023 World Cup, canopies over the east and west stands protect fans from Hyderabad’s scorching heat and rain.
Named Stands: Tributes to legends like VVS Laxman and Mohammed Azharuddin connect fans to Hyderabad’s cricketing heritage.

Special Spectator Experiences:

Fan Zones: During IPL matches, interactive fan zones feature music, cheerleaders, and SRH merchandise stalls, creating a carnival-like vibe. The Orange Army (SRH fans) brings unmatched energy.
Giant Screens: High-definition screens provide real-time replays and stats, keeping fans immersed.
Sustainability Efforts: The HCA’s eco-friendly initiatives, like water recycling and solar panels, align with modern stadium trends.

These features make Uppal a fan-favorite venue, blending tradition and modernity. For more on fan experiences, check Cricpredictor’s Blogs.

Fan Experience

Reviews and Stories:

A fan on X called the 2024 IPL match (SRH’s 277/3) a “run-fest like no other,” praising the Orange Army’s energy and the stadium’s vibrant atmosphere.
Another visitor described the 2023 World Cup experience as “electrifying,” with Hyderabadi biryani stalls adding a local flavor, though they noted long entry queues due to security checks.
Complaints include parking congestion and occasional washroom hygiene issues during packed matches, but 2024 upgrades (funded by SRH’s ₹5 crore) have improved facilities.

Atmosphere and Crowd Energy:

The 55,000-strong crowd transforms Uppal into a cauldron of passion, especially during IPL matches, with the VVS Laxman Stand as the epicenter of SRH’s Orange Army. Chants, orange flags, and fireworks create a festival-like vibe.
The stadium’s compact layout amplifies roars, making high-scoring chases (e.g., 2024’s 277/3) unforgettable. Social media posts on X call Uppal the “heart of Hyderabad cricket,” a pilgrimage for fans.
Fans recommend arriving 1–2 hours early to enjoy pre-match festivities, avoid queues, and savor local food like biryani and haleem. For match-day tips, see Cricpredictor’s IPL FAQ.

Community Impact: The stadium fosters pride among Hyderabadis, celebrating local heroes like Mohammed Siraj and Tilak Varma. Its role as a community hub shines during IPL season, uniting fans across the city.

🌍Pitch Report & Conditions

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium boasts a batting-friendly pitch, shaped by its dry, clay-based soil and compact boundaries (66–70 meters). Located in Uppal, Hyderabad, the pitch is a haven for stroke-makers, producing run-fests like SRH’s 277/3 in IPL 2024 and India’s 687/6d in a 2017 Test. Yet, it offers bowlers opportunities, with spinners thriving in Tests and pacers finding early assistance. Hyderabad’s hot, semi-arid climate and occasional dew add tactical nuances, making this a dynamic battleground. Below is a detailed breakdown of the pitch conditions for T20, ODI, and Test formats, enriched with stats, trends, and tips for fans and bettors. For more insights, check Cricpredictor’s Match Prediction.

T20 Format (e.g., IPL, International T20s)

Pitch Characteristics: The Uppal Stadium pitch is a batter’s paradise, with a flat, hard surface offering consistent bounce and pace. The short boundaries (66 meters square, 70 meters straight) make six-hitting easy, fueling high-scoring IPL games. Since 2018, the average first-innings T20 score is 160–170, but recent seasons have seen totals soar past 200, with SRH’s 277/3 vs. Mumbai Indians (2024) setting the venue’s IPL record. Early overs offer minimal seam movement, but dew in night games (common in March–May) makes the ball skid, favoring chasers. The pitch remains true throughout, challenging bowlers to rely on variations.

Scoring Trends: Expect run-fests—teams batting first aim for 180–200+ to stay competitive. The stadium’s compact size and true bounce result in frequent sixes, as seen in Abhishek Sharma’s 141 vs. Punjab Kings (2025). Chasing is viable, with 60% of T20 matches won by teams setting a target, though dew tilts night games toward chasers.

Bowling Challenges: Pacers get slight seam movement in the first 2–4 overs, especially under lights, but the pitch quickly favors batsmen. Spinners struggle due to minimal turn and short boundaries, with economy rates around 8.5 runs per over. Variations like slower balls or cutters (e.g., Bhuvneshwar Kumar) are crucial, as shown by Alzarri Joseph’s 6/12 in IPL 2019, the best IPL bowling figures ever. Wrist-spinners like Rashid Khan can exploit bounce if they vary pace.

Weather Impact: Hyderabad’s hot, dry climate (35–40°C during IPL season) ensures a dry pitch with minimal grass, reducing swing. Dew in evening matches aids batting in the second innings, making gripping the ball tough for bowlers. Rain is rare, and the stadium’s excellent drainage system ensures quick resumption of play. For weather updates, visit Cricpredictor’s Cricket News.

Tactical Tip: Captains prefer to bowl first in night games to chase under dew-affected conditions. Use pace bowlers early and death-over specialists like Pat Cummins to curb late surges. Batsmen should maximize the powerplay with aggressive shots, leveraging the short boundaries. For betting tips, check Cricpredictor’s Betting Sites.

Stat Spotlight:

Highest T20 Total: 277/3 by SRH vs. Mumbai Indians (IPL 2024).
Highest Individual Score: 141 by Abhishek Sharma (SRH vs. Punjab Kings, IPL 2025).
Best Bowling: 6/12 by Alzarri Joseph (Mumbai Indians vs. SRH, 2019).
Lowest Total: 80/10 by Delhi Daredevils vs. SRH (2013).

ODI Format

Pitch Characteristics: The Hyderabad pitch in ODIs is batting-friendly but offers a balanced contest over 100 overs. The clay-based surface provides good bounce and carry early, ideal for stroke-makers like Shubman Gill, who scored 208 vs. New Zealand (2023). The short boundaries (66–70 meters) support high-scoring games, with an average first-innings score of 280–300. By overs 20–30, the pitch dries, offering grip and slow turn for spinners. Dew in day-night games (common in October–March) makes the ball skid, easing chases in the second innings.

Scoring Trends: Teams batting first target 300+ for safety, as seen in Australia’s 350/4 vs. India (2009), the highest ODI total at the venue. Chasing is highly viable, with 40% chase success rate, especially under lights (e.g., India’s successful chases in 2023). The pitch’s consistency supports big scores, with players like Yuvraj Singh (233 runs in three ODIs) thriving.

Bowling Dynamics: Pacers find slight seam movement in the first 5–10 overs, but precision is key. Spinners play a containment role in the middle overs, using grip to slow scoring (e.g., Ravindra Jadeja’s tight spells). Reverse swing emerges late, benefiting skilled pacers. Dew reduces grip in the second innings, challenging bowlers in day-night games. Death-over specialists like Mohammed Siraj are crucial.

Weather Impact: Day games (30–35°C) are balanced, with dry conditions aiding spinners later. Night games bring heavy dew, favoring chasers by making the ball skid. Hyderabad’s semi-arid climate ensures minimal rain disruptions, and the drainage system handles rare showers. For updates, see Cricpredictor’s Blogs.

Tactical Tip: In day-night ODIs, bowl first to leverage early seam and chase under dew. In day games, bat first and aim for 300+, using powerplay overs aggressively. Spinners should target overs 15–40 to control runs. For player performance predictions, visit Cricpredictor’s Match Prediction.

Stat Spotlight:

Highest ODI Total: 350/4 by Australia vs. India (2009).
Highest Individual Score: 208 by Shubman Gill (India vs. New Zealand, 2023).
Most Runs at Venue: Yuvraj Singh (233 runs in three ODIs).
Notable Milestone: Sachin Tendulkar reached 17,000 ODI runs and scored his 45th ODI century.

Test Format

Pitch Characteristics: The Uppal pitch in Tests is a classic clay-based surface, starting as a batsman’s haven and evolving into a spinner’s delight. On Day 1, the pitch is flat with good bounce and carry, ideal for big scores (e.g., India’s 687/6d vs. Bangladesh, 2017). Days 2–3 remain batting-friendly, with minimal deterioration. By Days 4–5, cracks widen, introducing sharp turn and variable bounce, favoring spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin (10-wicket haul vs. New Zealand, 2012). Pacers get early seam movement, especially in morning sessions, and reverse swing on Days 4–5.

Scoring Trends: First-innings averages are 400–450, with 500+ totals possible if teams survive early spells (e.g., India’s 687/6d). Collapses occur when bowlers exploit conditions (e.g., West Indies’ 203 in 2018). The pitch’s evolution ensures results—four of six Tests (as of October 2024) produced winners, with spinners dominating late.

Bowling Dynamics: Pacers dominate Day 1 with seam and bounce, especially under cloudy skies (rare in Hyderabad). Spinners take over from Day 3, exploiting cracks and turn (e.g., Ashwin and Jadeja’s hauls). Reverse swing aids pacers late, as seen in Umesh Yadav’s 10-wicket haul (2018). The pitch’s bounce benefits tall bowlers like Mohammed Siraj.

Weather Impact: Hyderabad’s Test season (October–February) sees warm days (28–32°C) and dry conditions, accelerating pitch wear. No grass cover ensures consistent bounce early but aids deterioration. Rain is unlikely, and the drainage system minimizes delays. For weather insights, check Cricpredictor’s Cricket News.

Tactical Tip: Bat first if conditions are clear to pile on runs before spin kicks in. If overcast, bowl first and use new-ball bowlers like Pat Cummins. Batsmen surviving Day 1 can dominate; spinners should target Days 4–5 for wickets. For fantasy cricket tips, visit Cricpredictor’s Blogs.

Stat Spotlight:

Highest Test Total: 687/6d by India vs. Bangladesh (2017).
Best Bowling: Ravichandran Ashwin (10 wickets vs. New Zealand, 2012); Umesh Yadav (10 wickets vs. West Indies, 2018).
Notable Moment: Harbhajan Singh’s century in the stadium’s first Test (2010).

General Notes

Groundskeeping Excellence: The HCA maintains a world-class surface, earning the 2019 IPL award for best ground and pitch. The clay-based pitch is curated to balance bounce and wear, with excellent drainage ensuring play resumes quickly after rare monsoon showers.

Climate Influence: Hyderabad’s semi-arid climate (35–40°C in summer, 28–32°C in winter) ensures a dry pitch with minimal grass, reducing swing but aiding spin in Tests. Dew in night games (T20s, ODIs) favors chasers, impacting toss decisions.

Fan Impact: The 55,000-strong crowd, especially SRH’s Orange Army in the VVS Laxman or Sachin Tendulkar stands, creates an electric atmosphere. Roars during high-scoring IPL games (e.g., 277/3 in 2024) add pressure on visiting teams, amplifying SRH’s home advantage. For fan tips, see Cricpredictor’s IPL FAQ.

Boundary Factor: At near sea level, the ball travels fast due to Hyderabad’s dry air and short boundaries (66–70 meters), boosting six-hitting (e.g., Travis Head’s lofted drives). Bowlers need stamina and variations to succeed. For player stats, explore Cricpredictor’s Cricket Teams.

Plan Your Visit to Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium

Whether you’re cheering for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025 or catching an international clash, Uppal Stadium promises an unforgettable experience. Book tickets early via BookMyShow, SRH’s website, or designated counters (prices: ₹500–₹12,000), and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. For ticketing tips, visit Cricpredictor’s Blogs. Why Choose Cricpredictor? Our platform offers expert match predictions, detailed pitch reports, and betting insights to elevate your cricket experience. Learn more at Why Choose Cricpredictor, or watch our Cricket Related Videos for visual breakdowns. Got questions? Reach out via Cricpredictor’s Contact Us.

This profile captures the essence of Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium as a high-scoring, tactically nuanced venue, where batsmen thrive, spinners shine in Tests, and fans fuel unforgettable moments. Whether it’s an IPL thriller or a Test classic, Uppal delivers drama and excitement.

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FAQ

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium asked questions and answers

The pitch is primarily batting-friendly, especially in T20s and ODIs, with a flat surface, good bounce, and pace that favors stroke play. Small boundaries (66–70 meters) contribute to high-scoring games, with T20 averages around 160–170 and recent IPL totals exceeding 200. In Tests, the pitch assists spinners as it dries, offering turn and grip by days four and five, while pacers may find early seam movement, particularly under lights.

The stadium seats approximately 55,000, though some sources cite 39,200 due to temporary seating variations. Its large capacity makes it one of India’s premier cricket venues, accommodating diverse crowds during IPL and international matches.

From Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the stadium is 30 km away, a 45-minute drive via the PV Narasimha Rao Expressway. Taxis, Uber, Ola, or airport shuttles are the most convenient options. For budget travelers, buses to Uppal followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride are viable.

Iconic matches include the 2017 and 2019 IPL finals, the 2023 Cricket World Cup matches (e.g., South Africa vs. Netherlands), and the 2024 IPL game where SRH scored 277/3 against Mumbai Indians. In ODIs, Shubman Gill’s 208 (2023) and Australia’s 350/4 (2009) stand out, while in Tests, India’s 687/6d (2017) and Umesh Yadav’s 10-wicket haul (2018) are highlights.

Yes, food stalls offer Hyderabadi biryani, South Indian snacks, and international options, with hydration stations for summer matches. Parking accommodates thousands of vehicles, with separate areas for two-wheelers and cars, though early arrival (1–2 hours before) is advised to secure spots and avoid congestion. VIP parking is available for premium ticket holders.

Tickets are available online via BookMyShow, SRH’s official website, or IPL platforms, with prices ranging from ₹500 to ₹12,000 depending on the match and seating (budget stands to corporate boxes). Offline tickets can be purchased at the stadium’s ticket counters or designated bank branches/kiosks. Early booking is recommended for high-demand games, with SRH’s Instagram providing ticket alerts.