Holkar Stadium – Stadium in Indore, India

The Holkar Stadium was originally named the Maharani Usharaje Trust Cricket Ground is located in Indore, India. However, in 2010, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association decided to rename it after the Holkar dynasty of the Marathas, who once ruled over the state of Indore. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the world’s smallest international cricket grounds, yet it continues to attract large crowds of passionate fans from all over the country. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket enthusiast or simply someone looking to experience the thrill of a live match, the Holkar Cricket Stadium is not to be missed.

History of Holkar Cricket Stadium

Holkar Cricket Stadium is a cricket stadium located in the city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is also known as Maharani Usharaje Trust Cricket Ground, named after Maharani Usharaje Scindia, a member of the royal family of Gwalior who donated the land for the stadium. The stadium is owned by the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association and has a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators.

The stadium was constructed in 1990 and was originally named after the Holkar dynasty, a former ruling family of Indore. The first international match played at the stadium was a Test match between India and England in 2006, which ended in a draw. Since then, the stadium has hosted several international matches, including Test matches, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals.

One of the most memorable matches played at the this Stadium was the third ODI between India and Australia in 2017. In that match, India scored a mammoth total of 294 runs, thanks to a century by Rohit Sharma and a quickfire 78 by Hardik Pandya. Australia, in response, were bowled out for just 248 runs, giving India a comfortable victory.

Overall, this Stadium has become a popular venue for cricket matches in India, known for its lively atmosphere and passionate fans.

Pitch Conditions

The Holkar Stadium pitch is known to be favorable towards the batsmen, with its even bounce and short boundaries providing them with an advantage. This has resulted in batsmen dominating the game on this pitch. In 2011, Sehwag played an exceptional innings, scoring a record-breaking double century against the West Indies. Similarly, in 2006, India successfully chased down a target of 289 set by England, winning the game with seven wickets to spare.

ICC Pitc & Outfield Rating

SERIES	DATE	MATCH TYPE	PITCH RATING	OUTFIELD RATING
IND – SL	07 JAN. 2020	T20 INT.	GOOD	VERY GOOD
IND-BAN	14-18 NOV. 2019	TEST	VERY GOOD	VERY GOOD
IND – SL	22 DEC. 2017	T20 INT.	VERY GOOD	VERY GOOD
IND – AUS	24 SEPT. 2017	ODI	GOOD	VERY GOOD

Features of Holkar Cricket Stadium

Holkar Stadium is known for its modern facilities and excellent playing conditions. The stadium has a state-of-the-art playing surface, which is maintained to the highest standards. The pitch at Holkar Cricket Stadium is known for its pace and bounce, making it a favorite among fast bowlers.

The stadium also has a number of modern facilities for players and spectators alike. The players’ facilities include a gymnasium, indoor nets, and changing rooms. The spectator facilities include a number of food and beverage outlets, as well as several large screens for viewing replays and highlights.

One of the unique features of this Stadium is its floodlights. The stadium has four floodlight towers, which provide excellent visibility for night matches. The floodlights are also used for special events, such as concerts and other cultural events.

Events

Holkar Cricket Stadium has been the venue for several historic cricket matches over the years. In 1984, the stadium hosted its first international match, a one-day international between India and England. Since then, the stadium has hosted several international matches, including test matches against Australia, England, and New Zealand.

In 2017, Holkar was the venue for the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the premier T20 tournaments in the world. The match was a huge success, with a capacity crowd turning up to watch the Mumbai Indians take on the Rising Pune Supergiants. Mumbai Indians emerged victorious in a thrilling final, with Krunal Pandya being named Man of the Match.

Apart from cricket, Holkar Stadium has also been the venue for several other events over the years. The stadium has hosted concerts by international artists such as Bryan Adams and Enrique Iglesias. It has also been used for cultural events, such as the annual Dussehra festival.

How to get Holkar Stadium Tickets

Tickets for matches can be purchased online or at the ticket office on match days. Prices for tickets vary depending on the type of match, the seating category, and other factors. Holkar Stadium also offers hospitality packages, which include premium seating, food and beverage options, and other exclusive benefits.

Holkar Cricket Stadium Test Records

Most Runs:

Ajinkya Rahane, the former Indian vice-captain, holds the record for the most runs in Tests at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. He scored 297 runs in two matches with an average of 148.50. Rahane’s highest score of 188 came against New Zealand in the inaugural Test at the venue, and he also scored a half-century against Bangladesh in 2019. Virat Kohli and Mayank Agarwal follow Rahane with 250 and 243 runs, respectively.

Most Wickets:

Ravichandran Ashwin has an excellent record at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Test cricket. He has picked up 18 wickets in only two Tests at an average of 12.50 runs per wicket and an economy rate of 3.14. Ashwin has the most wickets at the venue, ten wickets ahead of Ravindra Jadeja, who has picked up eight wickets at an average of 30.62 with the best bowling figures of 4/63.

Highest Team Total:

India has set the highest team total in Tests at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. The team scored 557/7d in their first innings, followed by 493/6d in their second innings. Ajinkya Rahane’s double century and Virat Kohli’s century helped India to comfortably cross the 500-run mark.

Lowest Team Total:

India has also set the record for the lowest team total at the venue, being bowled out for 109 in their second innings of the third Test against Australia in March 2023. The Aussies went on to register a nine-wicket win in the match. Bangladesh’s 150 against India in the second Test at the venue is the second-lowest team total.

Highest Partnership:

The partnership between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane of 365 runs for the fourth wicket against New Zealand holds the Test record at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. In October 2016, both batsmen scored massive centuries, setting up India’s mammoth victory. Mayank Agarwal’s partnerships of 190 and 123 with Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja, respectively, rank second and third on this list.

Average Scores:

The average first innings score in Test cricket at the Holkar Cricket Stadium is 353 runs. The pitch gets better for batting on the second and third days of the match, with an average second innings score of 396. The average third and fourth innings scores at the venue are 214 and 153, respectively.

Highest Individual Score:

Mayank Agarwal’s 243 against Bangladesh in November 2019 is the highest individual score in Test cricket at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. Agarwal scored 28 fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 73.63. India’s former captain, Virat Kohli, holds the distinction of being the first double-centurion in Tests at the stadium, scoring 211 runs off 366 balls against New Zealand to help India post a huge first-innings total.

Best Bowling Figures:

Nathan Lyon’s 8/64 for Australia during India’s second innings in the third Test of their 2023 tour is the best bowling figures in an innings at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Tests. Ravichandran Ashwin’s 13/140 in a Test match is the best bowling figures at the venue, which he achieved in the match against New Zealand in October 2016, taking seven wickets in the second innings and six wickets in the first innings.

Conclusion

Holkar Cricket Stadium is more than just a cricket ground. It is a symbol of Indore’s love for the sport, and a testament to the region’s passion for cricket. Over the years, the stadium has hosted some of the most memorable cricket matches in history

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