Visakhapatnam Cricket Stadium (Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium)

One of the most beautiful and modern cricket grounds in India, Visakhapatnam’s only cricket stadium is officially called the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and surrounded by lush green hills, this cricket stadium plays host to international matches but is also the go-to venue for all IPL matches and several domestic tournaments. Revered for its drainage, batting-friendly pitches, and beautiful greenery surrounding the area, the stadium has seen MS Dhoni’s maiden ODI century and Rohit Sharma‘s stunning double-hundred, as well as classic Test wins for India. The ground has become one of the top cricketing locations in India since then and regularly hosts major international series.

Overview 

Particulars	Details
Official Name	Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium
Location	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Former Name	ACA-VDCA Stadium
Established	2003
Owner	Andhra Cricket Association
Capacity	Approximately 25,000–38,000 spectators
Ends	Pavilion End, North Block End
Floodlights	Yes
Home Team	Andhra Cricket Team
First ODI	India vs Pakistan (5 April 2005)
First T20I	India vs New Zealand (8 September 2012)
First Test	India vs England (17–21 November 2016)
Highest ODI Team Score	India – 387/5 vs West Indies (2019)
Highest Test Team Score	India – 502/7 declared vs South Africa (2019)
Highest T20I Team Score	New Zealand – 215/7 vs India
Notable Feature	Scenic hill backdrop and batting-friendly pitch

History and Construction

The state-of-the-art ACA-VDCA Stadium was built by the Andhra Cricket Association in 2003 to provide the State of Andhra Pradesh with a world-class international cricket venue. Following the construction of this stadium, there were very few major international matches hosted in Visakhapatnam prior to this. It turned into a major cricketing center on India’s east coast courtesy of the construction.

Located in Pothinamallayya Palem — a suburb of Visakhapatnam, the stadium was constructed on 34 acres. It was designed with open surroundings, in contrast to where many old Indian cricket venues are placed in city centres and surrounded by concrete. This is a ground that has views of hills and features greenery all around. While there was criticism about the bid to use two different stadia for games, both officials and players were full of praise for the excellent infrastructure, its modern pavilion, and the quality of the playing surface.

Construction Cost

While the official construction cost has never been revealed, that figure, although it must have exceeded EUR 120 mln. Development and infrastructure spending have been estimated to be in the tens of crores of rupees from various reports over the years, including higher transformations and expansions undertaken later on. But no official number is publicly available.

First International Matches at the Stadium

First ODI Match

Match	Date
India vs Pakistan	5 April 2005

The first ODI match played at the stadium was an international match between India and Pakistan. MS Dhoni made his mark on the world stage with a glorious 148 in just his first ODI century, which is what made this match historic. India won comfortably, and the game quickly became recognized by cricket aficionados.

First T20I Match

Match	Date
India vs New Zealand	8 September 2012

Visakhapatnam hosted its first T20 International in 2012 when India faced New Zealand. The successful hosting of the match further strengthened the stadium’s reputation as a multi-format international venue.

First Test Match

Match	Date
India vs England	17–21 November 2016

The stadium hosted its maiden Test match in 2016 between India and England. India secured a convincing victory, and the venue demonstrated that it could successfully host the longest format of the game as well.

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Pitch and Playing Conditions

Over the years, the Visakhapatnam pitch has been considered one of the finest batting surfaces in India. However, batters get absolutely true bounce and great batter-friendly conditions during ODI and T20 games. The new ball helps the pacers and spinners start to become effective as the game wears on.

The surface is usually batsman-friendly at the start and begins assisting spinners from day three on in Test cricket. It has led to lots of great contests across Formats.

Highest Team Scores at Visakhapatnam Stadium

Test Cricket

Team	Score	Opponent	Year
India	502/7 declared	South Africa	2019

This remains the highest Test score recorded at the venue. The innings featured outstanding batting performances from India’s top order.

ODI Cricket

Team	Score	Opponent	Year
India	387/5	West Indies	2019

India’s massive total of 387/5 is the highest ODI score at the ground. The innings was powered by a spectacular century from Rohit Sharma.

T20I Cricket

Team	Score	Opponent
New Zealand	215/7	India

This remains the highest T20 International total at the venue.

Major Batting Records

Highest Individual Test Score

Player	Score
Mayank Agarwal	215

Mayank Agarwal’s double century against South Africa in 2019 is the highest individual Test score recorded at the venue.

Highest Individual ODI Score

Player	Score
Rohit Sharma	159

Rohit Sharma’s 159 against the West Indies in 2019 remains the highest ODI score at Visakhapatnam.

Highest Individual T20I Score

Player	Score
Josh Inglis	110

Josh Inglis scored a brilliant century against India, registering the highest individual T20I score at the venue.

Major Bowling Records

Best Bowling in an ODI

Player	Figures
Amit Mishra	5/18

Amit Mishra’s spell against New Zealand in 2016 remains the best ODI bowling performance at the stadium.

Best Match Figures in Test Cricket

Player	Figures
Jasprit Bumrah	9/91

Bumrah achieved this remarkable feat against England in 2024.

Memorable Records and Achievements

• The 48th ODI century of this elegant batsman came against archrivals Pakistan in 2005, when MS Dhoni managed to score his first (148) here.
• Rohit Sharma made 159 runs, the highest ODI score at the venue.
• Mayank Agarwal registered his maiden double hundred at the venue in Tests.
• 2024: Double Century vs England (Yashasvi Jaiswal)
• Previously, the venue saw an ODI hat-trick from Kuldeep Yadav.
• At this venue, India registered the highest ODI total of 387/5.
• The stadium has previously hosted IPL playoff ties and also a number of key events in international cricket.

Importance in Indian Cricket

Visakhapatnam Stadium has emerged as one of the most handy international venues in India. BCCI has become a fan of its modern facilities, excellent spectator experience, and the fairly consistent quality of the pitch. Its role in building the sport of cricket, particularly cricketing infrastructure for Andhra Pradesh, is noteworthy, having hosted Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL matches over the years, as well as plenty of domestic tournaments.

Conclusion

They specialise in tennis courts — grass, clay, and hardcourt surfaces. The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket ground also ranks as one of the very best cricket grounds in India. The ground, which was built in 2003, has seen some classic games in all formats with old giants and icons like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal & Jasprit Bumrah. The Visakhapatnam Stadium is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious places to play because of its picturesque location, world-class facilities, and normally low scores on the scoreboard, along with being a brilliant cricketing heritage that continues to be a paragon for Andhra Pradesh and Indian cricket.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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