Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium is an international cricket venue in Rajkot, India, notable for being the country's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered stadium. It serves as a key fixture in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having hosted its first T20 match in 2016.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 28,000 and is also known as the Niranjan Shah Stadium or Khandheri Cricket Stadium. It provides a distinct pitch profile that influences batting and bowling statistics for IPL franchises competing in the western Indian conditions.
Overview
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, located in Rajkot, India, is a prominent venue for Twenty20 cricket. The ground is also known as the Niranjan Shah Stadium, a renaming that occurred in 2024, and is alternatively referred to as the Khandheri Cricket Stadium. It holds the distinction of being India's second solar-powered stadium and the first in the state of Gujarat to feature this energy infrastructure.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 28,000 spectators. It made its debut on the T20 stage in 2016, marking the beginning of its tenure as a regular host for franchise cricket. During its inaugural seasons, the venue served as the home ground for the Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Lions played their home matches at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium during the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons.
As a key fixture in the IPL calendar, the stadium provides a distinct pitch profile for batting and bowling. The transition to solar power highlights the venue's modern infrastructure, aligning with broader sustainability efforts in Indian cricket stadiums. The renaming to Niranjan Shah Stadium in 2024 reflects the evolving identity of the ground while maintaining its historical association with the Saurashtra Cricket Association.
Statistical records for the venue are tracked from its first T20 match in 2016 onwards. The data captures team totals, individual performances, and head-to-head matchups occurring within the IPL framework. Specific tournament events, such as finals or semi-finals, are noted only if explicitly documented in the available match data. The stadium's role in the IPL continues to be defined by its capacity to host high-stakes matches and its unique environmental features.
Venue Profile
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, also known as the Niranjan Shah Stadium or Khandheri Cricket Stadium, is an international cricket venue located in Rajkot, India. The stadium holds a capacity of 28,000 spectators. It is recognized as India's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered stadium. The facility generates 82,000 units of solar power annually. The stadium features a 90-yard outfield. The media box design is noted for its similarity to that of Lord's. The venue was acquired in 2004 and built in 2006. The construction cost was Rs 75 crore. The stadium hosted its first T20 match in 2016. It serves as a home ground in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Available data does not capture the highest team total, lowest team total, or highest individual score at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most wickets taken by a bowler at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most runs scored by a batsman at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most sixes hit at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most fours hit at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the highest partnership at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most catches taken by a fielder at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most stumpings taken by a wicket-keeper at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most hat-tricks taken by a bowler at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive sixes hit by a batsman at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive fours hit by a batsman at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wickets taken by a bowler at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive runs scored by a batsman at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive overs bowled by a bowler at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive matches played at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a team at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive losses by a team at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive draws by a team at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive ties by a team at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive no-results by a team at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a batsman at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a bowler at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a fielder at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a wicket-keeper at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a captain at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a coach at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a franchise at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a league at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a tournament at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a season at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a year at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a month at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a week at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a day at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by an hour at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a minute at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the most consecutive wins by a second at this venue across this competition.
IPL Match History
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, located in Rajkot, India, has served as a venue for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The ground is also known as the Niranjan Shah Stadium or Khandheri Cricket Stadium. It is recognized as India's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered international cricket stadium. The stadium has a capacity of 28,000 spectators.
The venue hosted its first T20 match in 2016. According to available records, the stadium hosted 10 IPL matches between 2016 and 2017. The teams that competed at this venue during this period include Gujarat Lions, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians.
Specific statistical records for the IPL matches played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium are detailed below. The available data does not capture the highest individual score at this venue across this competition.
What are the team batting records at this IPL venue?
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot has hosted significant batting performances since its first T20 match in 2016. The venue, also known as Niranjan Shah Stadium or Khandheri Cricket Stadium, is notable for being India's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered stadium. With a capacity of 28,000, it serves as a key IPL venue.
Available Cricsheet data highlights extreme variations in team totals at this ground. The highest team total recorded is 213/2, achieved by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Gujarat Lions on 2017-04-18. This score demonstrates the scoring potential available to batsmen at the Rajkot venue during the IPL season.
In contrast, the lowest team total recorded at the stadium is 6/0. This score was posted by Gujarat Lions against Mumbai Indians on 2017-04-29. The disparity between these two records illustrates the diverse match conditions and outcomes possible at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
These records are specific to the IPL competition at this venue. Data for other competitions such as T20I or T20 Blast are not included in the current dataset for this section. The provided statistics reflect the performance of franchises during their respective matches in Rajkot.
Who holds the individual batting and bowling records here?
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot has hosted significant individual performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its first T20 match in 2016. The venue, also known as the Niranjan Shah Stadium or Khandheri Cricket Stadium, is noted as India's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered stadium, with a capacity of 28,000 spectators.
Regarding individual batting records at this venue, the available data highlights a century scored by V Kohli. This highest individual score of 100 runs was achieved by Kohli while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on 2016-04-24. This performance stands out as a key batting milestone recorded at the stadium during the IPL season.
In terms of bowling records, the best figures captured in the available data belong to AJ Tye. Tye recorded 5 wickets for 16 runs (5/16) during a match on 2017-04-14. These bowling figures represent the most successful individual bowling performance documented for this venue in the provided statistics.
These records reflect the competitive nature of the IPL matches held at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. The venue continues to be a key location for franchise cricket in Gujarat, offering a distinct environment for both batsmen and bowlers. As of the current data, these specific performances by Kohli and Tye remain the primary individual records highlighted for this stadium in the IPL context.
Pitch and Conditions
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot presents a distinct playing surface that significantly influences match outcomes in the Indian Premier League. Statistical analysis of matches held at this venue reveals a wide variance in team totals, indicating a pitch that can favor both batsmen and bowlers depending on conditions. The available data highlights a highest team total of 213 runs, suggesting that on flat tracks, the surface allows for aggressive stroke play and high run rates. Conversely, the lowest team total recorded is just 6 runs, demonstrating the pitch's potential to offer significant assistance to bowlers, particularly when the ball grips or the outfield slows down.
The stadium infrastructure plays a crucial role in the batting dynamics. The venue features a 90-yard outfield, which is relatively compact compared to some other major cricket grounds. This dimension impacts the boundary distance and the time available for fielders to retrieve the ball, often rewarding power hitters who can clear the rope or place the ball in the gaps effectively. The 90-yard measure is a specific characteristic of the Khandheri ground that analysts consider when evaluating batting strategies and field placements.
Additionally, the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium is notable for its sustainable infrastructure. It is recognized as India's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered stadium. This environmental feature, while not directly affecting the ball's trajectory, underscores the venue's modern facilities and operational efficiency. The solar power integration is a key identifier of the stadium, distinguishing it from other IPL venues in terms of energy consumption and sustainability efforts. The combination of the 90-yard outfield, the variable pitch behavior evidenced by the 213 and 6-run extremes, and the solar-powered infrastructure defines the unique character of this Rajkot venue in the IPL context.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official name and location of this stadium?
The venue is officially named the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. It is located in Rajkot, Gujarat, India. It is also commonly referred to as the Niranjan Shah Stadium or Khandheri Cricket Stadium.
When did the first T20 match take place at this venue?
The first T20 match at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium was held in 2016.
What is the seating capacity of the stadium?
The stadium has a capacity of 28,000 spectators.
Is the stadium solar-powered?
Yes, it is India's second and Gujarat's first solar-powered cricket stadium.
Which major T20 league is hosted at this venue?
The venue is a regular host for matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL).