Cricket itself is not a game in India; it’s rather an emotion that binds hundreds of millions of hearts nationwide. Of the many cricket stadiums located in various parts of this country, one such venue is ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. It holds a high status attached to where Indian domestic takes place. The stadium was formerly known as Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Moreover, it has seen some great moments in cricketing history happen at the venue. This blog brings out the history, architecture beauty, and cricket glory of this iconic stadium.
A Brief History
Opened in 2003, the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium is at Pothinamallayya Palem in Visakhapatnam of Andhra Pradesh. Named after Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Moreover, the stadium is also a must-watch for every cricket fan. Furthermore, it proves growing importance in this part of southern India Cricket in Visakhapatnam. That didn’t have infrastructure for international matches before this stadium was under construction. To have a modern stadium, the ACA, and the VDCA joined hands and built this stadium.
The stadium is floodlit, allowing the treatment of day-night matches. While he was at it, Meyer went ahead and told scouts that the seating capacity of TSM is currently set at 28,000. But, one day it will be an expansion-ready venue with a proposed total of up to $50,000. This is in keeping with the growing demand for tickets during international matches. Moreover, underlines the stadium’s growing popularity among cricket lovers.
Architectural Marvel
Location is another key feature to catch the eye of the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. This picturesque view stadium is a wonderful addition to catch any match live. The stadium is in such a way that no matter where you are seated, all spectators get to watch the view.
The outfield of the ground was a vast carpet of grass. That was well looked after to provide a great playing surface for cricketers. The pitch at ACA-VDCA is a real sporting one. It offers something for both the batsmen to score runs, as well as the bowlers to take wickets. Although that may be a reality akin to what happened in the earlier years. Especially the last match on this wicket, with spinners doing most of the damage. Moreover, it makes it even harder for teams.
The complex includes several practice pitches, state-of-the-art dressing rooms, and media facilities. These all add up to the international standards within the main stadium. Another thing to highlight is the stadium’s fantastic drainage system. It makes even possible for the playing surface can be useable again soon after a downpour.
Milestones and Memorable Matches
ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium is famous among Indian cricket fans because of several memorable matches held at the venue.
Date of first International Match: 05 April 2005
It was India v Pakistan (ODI). One contest which will forever remain etched in cricketing folklore. It was the game where a young, princely-looking MS Dhoni made his presence felt at the international stage. The innings that would change Indian cricket. His knock was the catalyst for India’s victory, and it paved the way for many more thrillers at this venue.
Over the years, this stadium has also witnessed plenty of One Day Internationals (ODIs), Test matches and T20 Internationals. ICA-VDCA Cricket Stadium received its Test status in 2016 and it became the ninth stadium of India to have this landmark. A luxury of 489 runs in India’s first game here, held against England last November. The game is particularly remembered for Virat Kohli’s brilliant 167 in the first innings and a collective team performance to blow away England with both bat and ball.
The stadium has also been a popular venue for Indian Premier League (IPL) games. It was the original home stadium of the Deccan Chargers in 2012 and then, Sunrisers Hyderabad starting from 2015. The venue has seen its fair share of cliffhangers in the IPL, only going to solidify a claim as among those concrete fortresses that produce heart-stoppers by sessions.
Pitch and Conditions
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium pitch has dominated chatter among players and analysts alike. Hailed for its true bounce and even pace, it has generally been a batsmen-friendly track — particularly in ODIs and T20s. However, throughout a contest, spinners usually have their say and it levels itself out to become more even between bat & ball.
Test matches have witnessed the pith starting to assist spinners right after day three. The same was crystal clear in the first-ever Test match at the venue when Indian spinners thrived under Ravichandran Ashwin against England. Reverse swing has played a part with the pitch aiding that as well giving another facet to pitting spin against pace over extended periods.
Visakhapatnam, with high humidity levels and the unforgiving sunlight during day matches, can be a rather challenging place for players. The city is situated on the Bay of Bengal and faces a tropical climate, which could lead to surprising rains. But the stadium’s excellent drainage system will cause minimal interruption from rain and should also see play resume 30 minutes after a downpour.
The Place of Future Glory
ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium can it represents how much Andhra Pradesh has grown in terms of developing cricket. The never-ending exposure to the hosting of international fixtures at the stadium has ensured that Visakhapatnam is now widely recognized as one of the global cricketing centers. With dreams of more grandeur, and a goal to host its first ICC tournament in the form of World Cup 2027; it seems nothing but betterment lies ahead for this iconic stadium.
Furthermore, the stadium was an incubator of local talent. Where having world-wide recognized facilities of such a magnitude in Visakhapatnam, an array of budding cricketers have blown dreams to be able to go around the globe on cricket grounds by ensuring that they domicile this golden piece into their nerve cells. The ACA in association with the VDCA has been conducting coaching camps, tournaments besides other cricket activities to nurture their budding cricketers of state.
Conclusion
ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam — In a cricket lover’s life this is not one of the stadiums they should visit. The stadium provides a home away from the pitch and is an unforgettable day due to its natural beauty, great facilities, or just because of what happens on that field. This remains a testimony of the love for cricket in this country, and also an indication that Visakhapatnam too is working its way to becoming part of it henceforth.
