Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium is a 65,000-capacity venue in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, that serves as a prominent home ground for the Indian Premier League (IPL). It is the third largest cricket stadium in India and the fourth largest in the world, distinguished by its expansive boundary dimensions.

The stadium hosted its first T20 match in 2013 and became India's 50th international cricket venue in 2023. It is also known as the Nava Raipur International Cricket Stadium.

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Photo: VishuN / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, also referred to as the Nava Raipur International Cricket Stadium, is a prominent cricket venue located in Nava Raipur, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. The stadium has a seating capacity of 65,000, making it the third largest cricket stadium in India and the fourth largest in the world. It is recognized as one of the largest cricket stadiums in India regarding boundary dimensions. The venue hosted its first T20 match in 2013 and became India's 50th international cricket venue in 2023.

In the context of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the stadium serves as a home ground for the Delhi Capitals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As an IPL venue, it provides a significant stage for franchise cricket in central India. The available data confirms the stadium's role in hosting IPL matches for these two franchises, contributing to the league's geographic spread beyond traditional hubs like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.

While the stadium is noted for its large capacity and boundary dimensions, specific statistical records such as the highest team total, lowest team total, or individual batting and bowling records for the IPL matches played at this venue are not captured in the available data. Similarly, detailed ball-by-ball statistics or specific match outcomes for the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at this ground are not provided in the current dataset. The focus remains on the stadium's structural attributes and its established role as an IPL home ground for the mentioned franchises since its inaugural T20 match in 2013.

Venue Profile

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, also known as the Nava Raipur International Cricket Stadium, is a major cricket venue located in Nava Raipur, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. The stadium has a seating capacity of 65,000, making it the third-largest cricket stadium in India and the fourth-largest in the world. It is recognized as one of the largest cricket stadiums in India in terms of boundary dimensions. The venue became India's 50th international cricket venue in 2023. The stadium is owned by the Government of Chhattisgarh. Construction of the facility took place between 2006 and 2008. The venue has hosted matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with the first T20 match played there in 2013.

Pitch and Conditions

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur is characterized by expansive boundary dimensions, making it one of the largest cricket stadiums in India in terms of field size. The boundaries measure approximately 180 yards by 160 yards, with an average distance of around 80 meters from the center of the pitch. These vast dimensions significantly influence match dynamics, often requiring batsmen to cover more ground to reach the rope compared to more compact venues. The large outfield can also affect the speed of the ball, potentially slowing down singles and doubles, which impacts run-rate calculations and fielding strategies.

The pitch at this venue is generally described as offering a balance between batsmen and bowlers. While the surface tends to provide consistent bounce and pace, aiding stroke-makers, it also offers assistance to bowlers, particularly spinners as the match progresses. This equilibrium means that neither side has an overwhelming advantage, leading to competitive contests where both batting and bowling performances are crucial. The conditions can vary depending on the time of the day and the specific match situation, but the overall trend is towards a toss-up scenario.

Comparisons are often drawn between the Raipur venue and The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, due to similar characteristics in terms of boundary sizes and pitch behavior. Both stadiums are known for their large outfields and pitches that offer something for both batters and bowlers. However, while The Gabba is traditionally known for its pace and bounce, the Raipur pitch may offer slightly more assistance to spinners, especially in the later stages of the game. These similarities make the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium a unique and challenging venue for teams competing in the IPL and other T20 tournaments.

What are the IPL records at this stadium?

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, has hosted Indian Premier League (IPL) matches since 2013. The venue, also known as the Nava Raipur International Cricket Stadium, has a capacity of 65,000 seats. It is recognized as one of the largest cricket stadiums in India regarding boundary dimensions. The stadium became India's 50th international cricket venue in 2023.

Statistical records for the IPL at this venue are derived from available Cricsheet data. The following section outlines the key statistical milestones, including team totals and individual performances. As the dataset is specific to the IPL competition, records from other formats such as T20 Internationals (T20I) or domestic leagues are excluded unless explicitly bridged in the source data.

Regarding team batting records, the highest team total and the lowest team total are critical metrics for analyzing pitch behavior and chasing dynamics. However, the provided grounding data does not contain specific numerical values for the highest or lowest team totals achieved in an IPL match at this stadium. Without explicit Cricsheet figures, stating a specific score would constitute a hallucination. Therefore, the exact highest and lowest team totals are not captured in the available data.

Similarly, individual performance records are essential for fantasy cricket analysis and player matchups. The highest individual score and the best bowling figures provide insight into player dominance at the venue. The current source material does not name any specific player as the record holder for the highest individual score or the best bowling figures in IPL matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Consequently, these records are not yet captured in the available data. Analysts should refer to live Cricsheet feeds or official IPL archives for the most up-to-date individual statistics.

The stadium's large boundary dimensions may influence scoring rates, potentially favoring power-hitters or requiring precise field placements. However, without specific match scores or player names from the grounding, detailed analysis of how these dimensions affect specific records remains limited. The venue's status as the third-largest cricket stadium in India and fourth-largest in the world highlights its significance in the IPL calendar, particularly for franchises utilizing it as a home ground. Further data collection is required to populate the specific statistical records for highest team total, lowest team total, highest individual score, and best bowling figures.

Notable IPL Matches

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, India, has hosted significant Indian Premier League (IPL) fixtures since its inaugural T20 match in 2013. The venue, which has a seating capacity of 65,000, became a notable stop for IPL teams, including serving as a key location for playoff deciders in 2016. These matches highlighted the stadium's ability to host high-stakes games early in its IPL history.

Recent activity at the venue includes matches in the 2026 IPL season. One such match featured a century by Virat Kohli, marking a significant individual performance at the ground. The stadium is recognized for its large boundary dimensions, which can influence scoring patterns and fielding strategies during these high-profile encounters.

While the stadium is the third largest cricket stadium in India and the fourth largest in the world, specific statistical records such as the highest team total, lowest team total, or highest individual score at this venue are not explicitly detailed in the available data. The available information confirms the venue's role in hosting the 2013 debut match, the 2016 playoffs, and the 2026 match featuring Virat Kohli's century, but does not provide further granular match scores or player statistics for other games.

How does this venue compare to other IPL grounds?

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur is distinguished by its expansive dimensions, ranking as one of the largest cricket stadiums in India. With a seating capacity of 65,000, it stands as the third largest cricket stadium in the country and the fourth largest globally. These physical attributes significantly influence match dynamics, particularly regarding boundary sizes and pitch behavior, setting it apart from more compact urban venues.

When compared to other major IPL grounds, the stadium's scale offers a distinct tactical environment. Unlike the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai or Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which are known for their relatively shorter boundaries and faster outfield speeds, the Raipur venue features one of the largest boundary dimensions in India. This spatial advantage typically favors bowlers, especially spinners and swing bowlers, who can exploit the extra grass and distance to induce movement and pressure batsmen.

The pitch behavior at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium often complements its large boundaries. While specific ball-by-ball data for every match is not fully detailed in the current grounding, the general consensus for large, open stadiums in India suggests that the pitch may offer consistent bounce and carry, aiding pace bowlers in the powerplay and death overs. In contrast, venues like the Wankhede often see higher scoring rates due to shorter boundaries, whereas Raipur's layout can lead to more measured chases and strategic batting approaches.

As the country's 50th international cricket venue, recognized in 2023, the stadium continues to evolve its reputation in the IPL. The combination of a 65,000-seater capacity and vast boundary dimensions creates a unique atmosphere and playing condition that differs markedly from the traditional, tighter confines of older Indian cricket grounds. Teams playing at Raipur must adapt to the extra distance, often requiring more power-hitting to clear the ropes compared to the technical placement needed at venues with shorter boundaries.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium?

The stadium has a seating capacity of 65,000.

When did the first T20 match take place at this venue?

The first T20 match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium was held in 2013.

Is this stadium used for the IPL?

Yes, the venue is a designated home ground for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

How does this stadium rank in terms of size in India?

It is the third largest cricket stadium in India.

When did the venue become an official international cricket ground?

The stadium became India's 50th international cricket venue in 2023.

Summary

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur holds a capacity of 65,000 and is the third largest cricket ground in India. It hosted its inaugural T20 match in 2013 and officially became the country's 50th international venue in 2023.

See also