Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, also known as Niranjan Shah Stadium, is an international cricket venue in Rajkot, India, notable for being the country's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered stadium.
The ground has hosted 60 T20 matches in its recorded history, with activity concentrated between 2008 and 2017, featuring teams such as the Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Overview
Niranjan Shah Stadium, also known as Khandheri Cricket Stadium, is an international cricket venue located in Rajkot, India. The ground serves as a home stadium for the Indian Premier League (IPL), having hosted matches starting from 2016. It holds the distinction of being India's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered stadium, marking a significant infrastructure development for cricket in the region.
The stadium has a recorded capacity of 28,000 spectators. While the venue hosted 10 IPL matches between 2016 and 2017, the broader statistical record for T20 cricket at this location spans a longer period. According to Cricsheet data, the venue has hosted a total of 60 matches. The first recorded match at the stadium took place on 19 April 2008, with the most recent match in the dataset occurring on 14 May 2017.
Delhi Daredevils are the most active team at this venue, having played 56 matches there. The team also holds the record for the highest team total at the stadium, scoring 231/4 on 23 April 2011. In contrast, the lowest team total recorded is 44/2, achieved by Sunrisers Hyderabad on 10 May 2014.
Venue Profile
Construction of the facility began in 2006, with a total project cost of Rs 75 crore. The venue was officially named after Niranjan Shah in 2024, though it is also widely recognized as the Khandheri Cricket Stadium. Located in Rajkot, Gujarat, the ground holds the distinction of being India's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered international cricket stadium.
The infrastructure includes a 90-yard outfield and 60 hospitality boxes, designed to accommodate the 28,000 spectators within the stadium's recorded capacity. These facilities support the venue's role as a key host for the Indian Premier League, providing a modern environment for franchise cricket.
Statistical records from Cricsheet indicate that 60 matches were played at this venue between 19 April 2008 and 14 May 2017. Delhi Daredevils emerged as the most active team during this period, participating in 56 of the recorded fixtures. The highest team total achieved was 231/4 by Delhi Daredevils on 23 April 2011, while the lowest team total was 44/2 by Sunrisers Hyderabad on 10 May 2014.
Individual performances at the venue include the highest batting score of 128 by CH Gayle on 17 May 2012. The best bowling figures recorded were 5/12 by SL Malinga on 10 April 2011. These statistics define the competitive landscape of the matches held at the Rajkot ground during the specified timeframe.
IPL Match History
During the 2016 and 2017 seasons, the venue served as the home ground for the Gujarat Lions franchise. The team utilized the facility for its IPL matches across these two campaigns. This period represents the primary window of IPL activity at the stadium, with ten matches hosted between April 2016 and April 2017. The first IPL contest took place on 2016-04-14, while the final match in this sequence was played on 2017-04-29.
Statistical records from Cricsheet indicate that 60 matches have been played at the venue overall, with the first recorded match dating back to 2008-04-19 and the most recent to 2017-05-14. Delhi Daredevils are the most active team at this ground, having played 56 matches. The highest team total recorded is 231/4 by Delhi Daredevils on 2011-04-23. In contrast, the lowest team total is 44/2 by Sunrisers Hyderabad on 2014-05-10.
What is the highest team total at Niranjan Shah Stadium in IPL?
The highest team total at Niranjan Shah Stadium in the IPL is 213/2, set by Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Lions on 2017-04-18. This score represents the peak batting performance recorded at the venue during the specified competition period. The chase or innings context for this total highlights the scoring potential available on the Rajkot pitch during the 2017 season.
At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest team total recorded at the stadium is 6/0 by Gujarat Lions against Mumbai Indians on 2017-04-29. This scoreline indicates a dominant bowling performance or a collapse in batting conditions, resulting in a minimal run accumulation for the visiting side. The contrast between the highest and lowest totals underscores the variability of match outcomes at this venue.
These records are specific to the IPL matches held at Niranjan Shah Stadium. The data reflects the statistical extremes observed during the league's tenure in Rajkot. Analysts and fantasy cricket players may note the disparity between the 213/2 high and the 6/0 low when evaluating team strategies and player selections for future fixtures at this ground.
Who holds the individual batting and bowling records at this venue?
The highest individual batting score at Niranjan Shah Stadium is 128 runs, achieved by CH Gayle on 2012-05-17. This performance stands as the top individual effort recorded in the venue's match history. The best bowling figures at the ground are 5/12, delivered by SL Malinga on 2011-04-10. These statistical benchmarks define the peak individual performances observed during the matches held at this Rajkot venue.
Pitch and Conditions
The playing surface at Niranjan Shah Stadium features a 90-yard main outfield and a 70-yard secondary outfield, providing a balanced environment for both batting and fielding. The venue is distinguished by its solar power system, which generates 82,000 units of electricity annually, making it India's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered stadium.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest team total at Niranjan Shah Stadium in IPL?
The highest team total recorded at the venue is 231/4, scored by the Delhi Daredevils on 23 April 2011.
Who holds the individual batting record at this venue?
Chris Gayle holds the record for the highest individual batting score at the stadium, with 128 runs scored on 17 May 2012.
What are the best bowling figures at Niranjan Shah Stadium?
Lasith Malinga recorded the best bowling figures at the venue, taking 5 wickets for 12 runs on 10 April 2011.
Which team is the most active at this venue?
Delhi Daredevils are the most active team at the stadium, having played 56 matches there.
When was the first match played at this venue?
The first recorded match at the venue took place on 19 April 2008.
Summary
Records at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium include a highest team total of 231/4 by Delhi Daredevils and a lowest total of 44/2 by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Individual milestones include Chris Gayle’s 128-run innings and Lasith Malinga’s 5/12 bowling spell.