Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla, stands as one of India’s most historic and iconic cricket grounds. Over its long history since opening in 1883, the stadium has been a stage for unforgettable cricketing feats, hosting legendary matches in Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL seasons. From record-breaking performances to nail-biting finishes, its turf has witnessed moments that continue to reverberate in the memories of cricket fans nationwide.
Anil Kumble’s Perfect Ten (1999)
Perhaps the most iconic moment ever at Arun Jaitley Stadium occurred in February 1999 when Anil Kumble achieved cricket immortality by taking all ten wickets in a single innings against Pakistan. This astonishing feat made him only the second bowler in history to do so, after England’s Jim Laker, with figures of 10 for 74 in the second Test. Kumble’s achievement was not just a personal milestone but a source of immense pride for Indian cricket, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greatest bowlers.
India vs. Australia – Test Thriller (2008)
In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test of October 2008, India faced Australia in a contest that became an instant classic. India, chasing a daunting target of 403 runs, delivered a remarkable performance with Virender Sehwag leading the charge, scoring a rapid 151 runs. India ultimately won the match by 172 runs, seizing momentum in the series and igniting fans’ passions with a blend of grit and flamboyance. The match showcased Delhi’s reputation for providing thrilling finishes and unforgettable individual performances.
Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar’s Record Centuries
The stadium has been the setting for significant milestones in Indian cricket. In 1983, Sunil Gavaskar struck his 29th Test century at this venue, equalling the legendary Don Bradman’s then record for most Test hundreds. Later, in December 2005, Sachin Tendulkar surpassed Gavaskar’s landmark, scoring his 35th Test century here against Sri Lanka, setting a new benchmark for batting greatness.
South Africa’s Record-Breaking ODI Total (2023)
During the ICC Cricket World Cup in October 2023, Arun Jaitley Stadium was the venue for a batting onslaught as South Africa posted a record-breaking ODI total of 428 runs against Sri Lanka. Centuries from Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram propelled South Africa to victory by 102 runs. This match established the stadium’s reputation for high-scoring contests and showcased the evolution of ODI cricket’s explosive batting displays.
India vs. New Zealand T20I (2017)
In November 2017, the stadium pulsated with excitement during a T20I match between India and New Zealand. Led by aggressive batting performances from Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, India set a formidable target of 203 runs. The bowlers then decimated the New Zealand lineup, bowling them out for a mere 88 and sealing a resounding 118-run victory. The match stands out for the electric atmosphere and dominance displayed by the home team.
Historic Test Moments and Legendary Bowlers
Beyond headline-making wins, Arun Jaitley Stadium has hosted several legendary bowling spells. S Venkataraghavan, in his 1965 debut series, captured 8 for 72 and 4 for 80 against New Zealand here. Bishen Singh Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna combined in 1969–70 to pick up a staggering 18 wickets in a Test against Australia. These historic performances underline the ground’s legacy as a spinner’s paradise, rewarding craft and guile over sheer pace.
Memorable IPL Matches
The stadium has formed a pulsating hub during IPL seasons, often yielding high-scoring, edge-of-the-seat thrillers. In 2011, the then Delhi Daredevils recorded a massive 231 runs against Kings XI Punjab—one of the highest totals at the venue. Many matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium are remembered for explosive batting, tight chases, and passionate crowd involvement, making IPL nights unforgettable for Delhi fans.
India’s Unbeaten Record and Historic Stand
Remarkably, the Indian team maintained a 37-year unbeaten streak in Test matches at this venue, a testament to both home advantage and local crowd energy. Looking further back, the ground saw a unique achievement in 1952 when Hemu Adhikari and Ghulam Ahmed forged a record tenth-wicket stand of 111 runs against Pakistan—a record still intact for Indian cricket.
Conclusion
From Kumble’s magical ten, exhilarating Test wins, and batting milestones by Gavaskar and Tendulkar, to South Africa’s ODI rampage and IPL drama, Arun Jaitley Stadium continues to be a cauldron of cricketing history. Its atmosphere, legendary matches, and enduring records ensure its status as a treasured monument of Indian and world cricket—a place where heroes are made and history written with every passing season.
Girish