When we think of cricket stadiums in India, we think of the big ones. But there are smaller grounds around the country where the game feels more intimate. The crowd is closer and the vibe is electric.
These smaller stadiums may not be the biggest but have hosted some amazing cricket moments. Let’s check out five of the smallest cricket stadiums in India. Although the boundary ropes are shorter, the memories made there are longer.
1. Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
With a capacity of about 30,000 and boundaries of 56-65 meters, Holkar Stadium is known for fast and high scoring games. It may be small but has great energy from the field and the fans.
Best Moment:
In 2011, Virender Sehwag scored 219 against West Indies and made the ground look like a picnic for batsmen. It wasn’t just the score but he was attacking the bowlers like they were nothing.
Holkar Cricket Stadium:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Known As | Maharani Usharaje Trust Cricket Ground |
| Ends | GAIL-Madhav Rao Scindia End, Pavilion End |
| Location | Indore, India |
| Time Zone | UTC +05:30 |
| Home To | Madhya Pradesh |
2. M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
This classic stadium in Bengaluru has a capacity of about 40,000 but its small playing area (55-68 meters) is great for aggressive cricket. The high altitude makes the ball travel further and the fans make sure you feel every second.
Best Moment:
In 2016 IPL, AB de Villiers scored 129 off 52 balls. It was such a big hit that the ball hardly touched the ground.
M.Chinnaswamy Stadium:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1969 |
| Capacity | 40,000 |
| Known As | Karnataka State Cricket Association Stadium |
| Ends | Pavilion End, BEML End |
| Location | Bengaluru, India |
| Time Zone | UTC +05:30 |
| Home To | Karnataka, Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Floodlights | Yes |
3. Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Located in the capital, this stadium can hold about 41,820 people with boundaries of about 60 meters. It may be small but has a lot of cricket history.
Best Moment:
In 1999, Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in one innings against Pakistan. No other Indian cricketer has done this.
Arun Jaitley Stadium:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1883 |
| Capacity | 48,000 |
| Known As | Feroz Shah Kotla, Willingdon Pavilion |
| Ends | Stadium End, Pavilion End |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| Time Zone | UTC +05:30 |
| Home To | Delhi, Delhi Capitals |
| Floodlights | Yes |
4. Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Greenfield is one of the newest stadiums in India with a capacity of about 38,000 and boundaries of 55-66 meters. It feels special because the fans are very close to the action and every moment feels more exciting.
Best Moment:
In 2022, India bowled out South Africa for 99. It was a rare thriller with a low score which reminded us that cricket can be surprising even when conditions are good for batting.
Greenfield International Stadium:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 50,000 |
| Known As | Trivandrum International Stadium |
| Location | Thiruvananthapuram, India |
| Time Zone | UTC +05:30 |
| Other Sports It Hosts | Football |
| Floodlights | Yes |
5. Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
Rajkot has only 28,000 capacity and boundaries of 58-65 meters so it may seem quiet. But it’s a good stadium which is becoming popular with players.
Best Moment:
Rohit Sharma’s 159 in 2019 was like a class on how to pace an ODI inning. It shows that even on smaller grounds, picking your shots well is important.
Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 2009 |
| Capacity | 28,000 |
| Known As | Khandheri Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Rajkot, India |
| Time Zone | UTC +05:30 |
| Home To | Saurashtra |
| Floodlights | Yes |
These stadiums show that cricket is not just about the size of the stadium. It’s about being close to the players, the action and the moment. Some of India’s greatest cricket moments happened not in the biggest stadiums but in these smaller, exciting places where cricket feels more real.
