The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, commonly known as the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, is a premier cricketing venue located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Established in 2003, this modern facility has become a significant landmark in Indian cricket, hosting numerous international and domestic matches.
Location and Infrastructure
Situated in the scenic locale of Pothinamallayya Palem, the stadium is nestled amidst picturesque hills on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam. Designed with a two-tier structure, it ensures unobstructed views for spectators by eliminating pillars or columns that could impede sightlines. The seating capacity of the stadium is approximately 25,000, providing ample space for cricket enthusiasts. Equipped with floodlights, the venue is well-suited for day-night matches, enhancing the viewing experience for both players and fans.
Historical Significance
The ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium has been the stage for several memorable cricketing moments:
- First ODI Match (2005): The stadium hosted its inaugural One Day International on April 5, 2005, featuring a match between India and Pakistan. In this game, Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his arrival on the international stage by scoring his maiden ODI century, a blistering 148 runs.
- Test Status Achievement (2016): Elevated to Test status, the venue hosted its first Test match from November 17 to 21, 2016, between India and England. India emerged victorious in this encounter by 246 runs.
- T20 International Debut (2016): The stadium’s first T20 International took place on February 14, 2016, with India facing Sri Lanka. In a remarkable performance, Ravichandran Ashwin secured figures of 4 wickets for 8 runs, leading to Sri Lanka being bowled out for 83.
Notable Records and Performances
The ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium has been a witness to several outstanding individual and team performances:
- Highest ODI Team Score: India set a formidable total of 387/5 against the West Indies in 2019, marking the highest ODI score at this venue.
- Rohit Sharma’s Feats: On December 18, 2019, Rohit Sharma scored an impressive 159 runs off 138 balls against the West Indies, the highest individual ODI score at this ground. Additionally, in October 2019, during a Test match against South Africa, Sharma recorded centuries in both innings and set a record for the most sixes in a Test match at this venue.
- Mayank Agarwal’s Double Century: In the same Test match against South Africa in 2019, Mayank Agarwal achieved his maiden Test double century, scoring 215 runs, the highest individual Test score at this stadium.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s Hat-Trick: Kuldeep Yadav secured his second ODI hat-trick at this ground during a match against the West Indies in 2019.
Indian Premier League (IPL) and Other Events
The stadium has also been a prominent venue for IPL matches:
- Home Ground Assignments: It served as the home ground for the Deccan Chargers in 2012 and the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2015. In 2016, due to water scarcity in Maharashtra, both Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants played select home games at this venue.
- Playoff Host: In 2019, the ACA–VDCA Stadium was chosen to host the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 matches of the IPL, underscoring its importance as a premier cricketing venue.
Pitch and Playing Conditions
The pitch at the ACA–VDCA Stadium is known to favor batsmen, offering consistent bounce and carry. However, as the match progresses, it tends to assist spinners, making it a balanced venue for both batsmen and bowlers. The outfield is well-maintained, ensuring swift ball movement, which contributes to high-scoring encounters.
Conclusion
The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium stands as a testament to India’s rich cricketing heritage. With its state-of-the-art facilities, scenic surroundings, and a history replete with remarkable performances, it continues to be a cherished venue for players and fans alike.