Introduction
If you are a cricket fan, you must have heard of Eden Gardens, the largest cricket stadium in India and the second-largest in the world. Eden Gardens is located in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, and has hosted some of the most memorable matches in cricket history. Its rich history, impressive architecture, and passionate crowds make it a truly unforgettable experience for cricket enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will explore the history, pitch condition, records and upcoming matches of this iconic venue.
History Of Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens was established in 1864 and named after the Eden sisters, who were the daughters of Lord Auckland, the then Governor-General of India. The stadium was initially used for recreational purposes by the British officials and later became a venue for cricket matches. The first recorded cricket match at Eden Gardens was played in 1917-18 between Calcutta Cricket Club and a team led by Lord Willingdon.
The first international match at Eden Gardens was a Test match between India and England in 1934, which England won by 202 runs. Since then, Eden Gardens has hosted 42 Test matches, 31 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 7 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
The Magnificent Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens, also known as “Cricket’s Colosseum,” is the largest cricket stadium in India and the third-largest in the world, with a seating capacity of over 66,000 spectators. Established in 1864, it has witnessed countless memorable cricket matches and has been a host to numerous international tournaments.
Architectural Marvel
The architecture of Eden Gardens is truly impressive. With its grand stands, sprawling outfield, and state-of-the-art facilities, the stadium offers a visually stunning experience to anyone who visits. The iconic B.C. Roy Clubhouse, situated inside the stadium complex, is a masterpiece of architecture and adds to the overall grandeur of Eden Gardens.
Memorable Matches and Moments
Eden Gardens is synonymous with historic cricket matches and unforgettable moments. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable events that have taken place within its hallowed grounds.
India vs. Australia 2001
One of the most famous matches in cricket history was played at Eden Gardens in 2001. Facing Australia in the second Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India was forced to follow on after being dismissed for just 171 runs in the first innings. What followed was a remarkable comeback led by VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, who scored 281 and 180 runs respectively. India went on to win the match, overturning the odds and capturing the imagination of cricket fans worldwide.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Farewell Test
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, bid farewell to his illustrious career in 2013 at Eden Gardens. It was an emotional match that witnessed Tendulkar’s final innings, with thousands of fans flocking to the stadium to witness the historic moment. The entire cricketing fraternity united to pay tribute to the Little Master, making it a truly unforgettable occasion.
World Cup Finals 1987 and 1996
Eden Gardens has also played host to two World Cup finals, cementing its status as a cricketing mecca. In 1987, the stadium witnessed a thrilling clash between Australia and England, with Australia emerging victorious. In 1996, Eden Gardens witnessed another historical moment when Sri Lanka defeated Australia to claim their maiden World Cup title. The atmosphere during these finals was electric, with fans from all corners of the world coming together to celebrate the pinnacle of cricketing excellence.
Eden Gardens Pitch Condition
The pitch at Eden Gardens is generally considered to be batting-friendly, especially in the first innings. The pitch is prepared using black cotton soil, which helps in maintaining good bounce and pace. However, as the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow down and offer more turn to the spinners. The weather conditions and the time of day can also influence the pitch behaviour. In day matches, the pitch is at its best for batting in the first innings, while in day-night matches, it might offer some assistance to seam bowlers in the evening due to dew factor.
The average first innings score at Eden Gardens in ODIs is 236, while the average second innings score is 204. The highest team total at this venue is 404/5 by India against Sri Lanka in 2014, while the lowest team total is 76 by India against South Africa in 2005. The highest individual score at this venue is 189* by Vivian Richards against England in 1984, while the best bowling figures are 6/12 by Anil Kumble against West Indies in 1993.
Records at Eden Gardens
- Sachin Tendulkar has scored the most runs at Eden Gardens in international cricket with 1759 runs across formats.
- Kapil Dev has taken the most wickets at Eden Gardens in international cricket with 51 wickets across formats.
- Rohit Sharma has scored the most centuries at Eden Gardens in international cricket with 4 centuries across formats.
- MS Dhoni has effected the most dismissals as a wicket-keeper at Eden Gardens in international cricket with 29 dismissals across formats.
Eden Garden Schedule CWC 2023
Conclusion
Eden Gardens is a must-visit destination for any cricket lover who wants to experience the passion, history and culture of Indian cricket. It is a place where legends are born, records are broken and emotions are high. If you are planning to watch a match at Eden Gardens, make sure you book your tickets well in advance and enjoy the spectacle of cricket at its finest.