Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

After a long gap of 22 years, Hyderabad is all set to host a test match when India take on New Zealand in the second test starting on November 12. This will be the first five day encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

The stadium, one of the best in the country has had its share of controversies in the past. The Hyderabad Cricket Association had to pay out its contractors – Visaka Industries, after which the stadium was originally named, and only then it could change the name in honour of the former Prime Minister of the country. Then, ten days before it was ready to host its first first class match, the ground was deemed to be unfit. However the stadium has grown in stature since then. It has successfully hosted 3 ODI’s – one against South Africa in 2005 and two against Australia in 2007 and 2009. It has also been the home ground of Deccan Chargers in the IPL and it did its reputation no harm when it was selected as the venue for the 2009 T20 Champions League and also hosted the final.

However so far, the ground has been unlucky for the host teams. India has lost all the 3 ODI’s played here and Deccan Chargers have lost its all home games so far.

But when it comes to individual performances, Hyderabad has been a happy hunting venue for many a cricketer. Sachin Tendulkar played a scintillating knock of 186* against New Zealand at the Lal Bahadur Stadium and not many Indian cricket fans will forget his fabulous knock of 175 against the Aussies here at this ground. Yuvraj Singh has also scored two centuries at this ground, albeit both of them coming in losing causes.

The last time a test match was played in Hyderabad – at the Lal Bahadur Stadium, also against New Zealand in 1988, a Hyderabadi middle order batman and Hyderabadi off spinner shone on the field. Mohammed Azharuddin had scored 81 and Arshad Ayub had picked up 4 Kiwi wickets. The Indian fans will definitely be hoping for an encore with V.V.S Laxman and Pragyan Ojha in the squad and the team will also look to break the home ground jinx associated with the ground.

Tags: Cricket, Hyderabad, India, Indian Sports, New Zealand, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sports, Sports India, Test Match