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Barabati Stadium
Barabati Stadium
from Wikipedia

The Barabati Stadium is an Indian sports stadium used mostly for cricket and association football, and also sometimes for concerts and field hockey, located in Cuttack, Odisha. It is a regular venue for international cricket and is the home ground of Odisha cricket team. It is the seventeenth largest cricket stadium in the world and twelfth largest cricket stadium in India in terms of seating capacity. The stadium is owned and operated by the Odisha Olympic Association. It is also used for association football. It hosts Santosh Trophy national football tournament and the state's Odisha First Division League football matches.[2] The Barabati Stadium is one of the older grounds in India, having hosted several touring sides – including the MCC, the West Indies team and the Australians – before it hosted its first international cricket match. It hosted only the third one-day international in this country, in January 1982, when India put it across England by five wickets to lift the series 2–1. It hosted its first ever Test match five years later where India played hosts to Sri Lanka. Though it is not a regular Test venue, it continues to host One-Day Internationals regularly. It also hosted the 2013 Women's Cricket World Cup.[3] This ground is also known for its good playing conditions.

Key Information

The cricket and football venue is equipped with floodlights for day-and-night games and is a regular venue for ODI matches. It was an adopted home venue for former Indian Premier League franchise Deccan Chargers, Kings Xi Punjab, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Barabati Stadium has successfully served as the venue for both Indian Premier League and the now defunct Odisha Premier League. It also hosted Senior Women's T20 Challenger Trophy 2020 in January 2020.[4]

History and development

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The Barabati Stadium in Cuttack hosted only the third One Day International in the country, in January 1982, when India beat England by five wickets to win the series 2–1. In the first Test match here, five seasons later, the Sri Lankans were greeted with an underprepared wicket affording vastly unpredictable bounce. Dilip Vengsarkar, then at the height of his career, made his highest Test score of 166, his fourth century in eight Tests, when no other batsman on either side crossed 60. India won by an innings and 67 runs. Kapil Dev bagged his 300th Test victim, bowling Rumesh Ratnayake with a ball that failed to sit up.

The only other Test match here, against New Zealand in 1995–96, was badly affected by rain, affording less than 180 overs of playing time. Narendra Hirwani, on a comeback trail, took 6 for 59 in New Zealand's only innings, the best bowling figures here.

Though it is not one of the regular Test venues anymore, it continues to enjoy the status of international venue and hosts One-Day Internationals regularly. India have won one of the two Test matches played here, and have an 11–4 win–loss record in ODIs.

Indoor Hall

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In 2012, OCA named the indoor cricket hall at Barabati Stadium after Sachin Tendulkar.

International cricket centuries

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Key

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  • * denotes that the batsman was not out.
  • Inns. denotes the number of the innings in the match.
  • Balls denotes the number of balls faced in an innings.
  • NR denotes that the number of balls was not recorded.
  • Parentheses next to the player's score denotes his century number at the Feroz Shah Kotla.
  • The column title Date refers to the date the match started.
  • The column title Result refers to match result

Test centuries

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The following table summarises the Test centuries scored at the Barabati Stadium.

No. Score Player Team Balls Inns. Opposing team Date Result
1 166 Dilip Vengsarkar  India 279 1  Sri Lanka 4 January 1987 Won

One Day Centuries

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The following table summarises the One Day centuries scored at the Barabati Stadium.

No. Score Player Team Balls Inns. Opposing team Date Result
1 102 Ravi Shastri  India 142 1  England 27 December 1984 Lost
2 104 Ajay Jadeja  India 126 2  West Indies 9 November 1994 Won
3 127* Sachin Tendulkar  India 138 2  Kenya 18 February 1996 Won
4 153* Mohammad Azharuddin  India 150 1  Zimbabwe 9 April 1998 Won
5 116* Ajay Jadeja  India 121 1  Zimbabwe 9 April 1998 Won
6 102 Grant Flower  Zimbabwe 118 2  India 9 April 1998 Lost
7 111* Kevin Pietersen  England 128 1  India 26 November 2008 Lost
8 111 Ajinkya Rahane  India 108 1  Sri Lanka 2 November 2014 Won
9 113 Shikhar Dhawan  India 107 1  Sri Lanka 2 November 2014 Won
10 150 Yuvraj Singh  India 127 1  England 19 January 2017 Won
11 134 MS Dhoni  India 122 1  England 19 January 2017 Won
12 102 Eoin Morgan  England 81 2  India 19 January 2017 Lost
13 119 Rohit Sharma  India 90 2  England 9 February 2025 Won

International cricket five-wicket hauls

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Key

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Symbol Meaning
The bowler was man of the match
10 or more wickets taken in the match
§ One of two five-wicket hauls by the bowler in the match
Date Day the Test started or ODI was held
Inn Innings in which five-wicket haul was taken
Overs Number of overs bowled
Runs Number of runs conceded
Wkts Number of wickets taken
Econ Runs conceded per over
Batsmen Batsmen whose wickets were taken
Result Result of the match

Tests

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Five-wicket hauls in Test matches at Barabati Stadium
No. Bowler Date Team Opposing team Inn Overs Runs Wkts Econ Batsmen Result
1 Ravi Ratnayeke 4 January 1987  Sri Lanka  India 1 27.3 85 5 3.09 India won[5]
2 Narendra Hirwani 8 November 1995  India  New Zealand 2 31 59 6 1.90 Drawn[6]

Records

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Match Information:

Game Type No. of Games
Test Matches 2
ODI 19
T20I 2

Test Match Statistics:

Category Information
Highest Team Score India (400 All Out against Sri Lanka)
Lowest Team Score Sri Lanka (142 All Out against India)
Best Batting Performance Dilip Vengsarkar (166 Runs against Sri Lanka)
Best Bowling Performance Narendra Hirwani (6/59 against New Zealand)

ODI Match Statistics:

Category Information
Highest Team Score India (381/6 in 50 Overs against England)
Lowest Team Score West Indies (113 All Out in 34.2 Overs against Australia)
Best Batting Performance Mohammad Azharuddin (153* Runs against Zimbabwe)
Best Bowling Performance Daren Powell (4/27 against India)

Notable events

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Barabati stadium
  • Kapil Dev bagged his 300th test wicket when he bowled Rumesh Ratnayake of Sri Lanka in January 1987
  • The Stadium hosted matches in two World Cups hosted in the subcontinent – 1987 Cricket World Cup (Australia beat Zimbabwe by 70 runs)and 1996 Cricket World Cup (India beat Kenya by 7 Wickets)
  • Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja put on an unbroken 275 run partnership against Zimbabwe which was the then highest ODI partnership
  • The above partnership is the current world record for the 4th Wicket in ODI Cricket.[7]
  • The partnership is the current world record for any unbroken partnership.[8]
  • The most runs scored here in Test cricket was by India who were all out for 400 in 1987 and 298–8 in 1995. The third highest score was by Sri Lanka who were dismissed for 191 runs in 1987.
  • In Test cricket, the most runs scored here was by Dilip Vengsarkar(166 runs) followed by Kapil Dev(60 runs) and Sri Lankan Roy Dias(58 runs).
  • The most wickets were taken by Narendra Hirwani and Maninder Singh(6 wickets each) followed by Sri Lankan Ravi Ratnayeke and Kapil Dev (5 wickets each).
  • In ODIs, the highest score was made by India who scored 381–6 in 2017.
  • In ODIs, highest individual score at the venue is 152* by Mohammad Azharuddin against Zimbabwe.
  • The most runs scored here was by Sachin Tendulkar with 469 runs, followed by Ajay Jadeja with 273 runs and Rohit Sharma with 262 runs.
  • The most wickets taken here was by Ravindra Jadeja (10 wickets), followed by Anil Kumble, Ishant Sharma and Ajit Agarkar all with 7 wickets each
  • On 19 January 2017, in the 2nd ODI match between India vs England Yuvraj Singh 150(127) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni 134(122), both Scored their last century at this Stadium that helped India to reach 381/6 (50 Overs). It was the second highest 4th Wicket partnership of 256 runs at this venue. England scored 366/8 (50 overs) with the help of Eoin Morgan 102(81) runs. As a result, India won the match by 15 runs.

Santosh Trophy 2012

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This stadium was the main venue of the 2012 Santosh Trophy football tournament which was won by Services.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Barabati Stadium is a multi-purpose sports venue in Cuttack, Odisha, India, best known as a historic cricket ground and the home of the Odisha cricket team in domestic competitions. Inaugurated in 1958, it boasts a seating capacity of around 45,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in eastern India, and is named after the nearby 14th-century Barabati Fort. The stadium's cricket legacy began with its role in early international fixtures, hosting India's third (ODI) match in January 1982 against , which India won by five wickets to secure a 2-1 series . It has since accommodated 18 ODIs as of 2025 (with India winning 14), two matches—one and one draw for the home team, including the 1987 debut against Sri Lanka where India triumphed by an innings and 67 runs—and three T20 Internationals, as well as Women's World Cup games in 2013. Notable moments include Kapil Dev claiming his 300th wicket in 1987, Dilip Vengsarkar's highest of 166 at the venue, and Narendra Hirwani's best bowling figures of 6/59 in 1995–96. The most recent international match was an ODI against on 9 February 2025, which India won by 4 wickets. Owned and managed by the , Barabati Stadium features amenities such as floodlights for day-night matches, renovated pavilions, VIP boxes, media centers, and a well-maintained grass pitch, following upgrades to enhance spectator experience and facilities. Beyond cricket, it serves as a venue for football matches, cultural events, and public rallies, reflecting its status as a cultural hub in , surrounded by the historic River and known for its passionate yet respectful fanbase. The ground's ends are named the River End and Pavilion End, underscoring its riverside location and enduring prominence in Indian sports history.

History

Construction and early years

The Barabati Stadium in , , was established on the historic Barabati grounds, a site adjacent to the 14th-century that had served as part of the royal gardens of the Ganga dynasty and hosted various local sports and events during the pre-independence era under British rule. The grounds were utilized for informal sporting activities, including early and football, dating back to the early , laying the foundation for organized sports in the region. The grounds hosted Odisha's debut first-class match in December 1949 against in the . Construction of the stadium began in 1950 as a multi-purpose facility, initiated by the government with significant involvement from the newly formed (OCA) in 1949, which leased the venue and advocated for its development to promote cricket. Funding for the initial phase, which included a basic playing field, pavilion, and clubhouse, was provided by the and the OCA, reflecting a collaborative effort to create a dedicated sports infrastructure post-independence. The stadium was officially inaugurated in 1958, following the hosting of the first national wrestling event in 1957 on the developing site. In its early years through the , Barabati Stadium served primarily as a hub for domestic , accommodating local fixtures, football matches, and athletics competitions, while also hosting cultural programs to engage the community. The OCA utilized the venue for matches starting in 1954, with the first such game against marking its emergence as a key center for competitive in eastern and contributing to the growth of regional sporting talent. This period solidified the stadium's role in Odisha's sporting heritage, transitioning the historic grounds from informal use to a structured facility that nurtured local athletes and fostered public interest in multi-sport events.

Major developments and renovations

The hosting of Barabati Stadium's inaugural in January 1982, India's third-ever ODI, prompted significant upgrades in the late to align the venue with international standards, including improved facilities for spectators and players. In 2003, the installed floodlights at the stadium, enabling day-night matches and marking a key infrastructural advancement for hosting evening fixtures. To prepare for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, major renovations were undertaken between 2008 and 2010 at a cost of approximately Rs 56 crore, which included the construction of new stands and an expansion of from 35,000 to 45,000, enhancing the venue's readiness for global events. In March 2012, the Odisha Cricket Association announced the naming of its newly constructed indoor cricket hall as the Sachin Tendulkar Indoor Hall to commemorate the cricketer's 100th international century; built at a cost of Rs 16 crore, the centrally air-conditioned facility includes four practice pitches—one synthetic wicket imported from England—and supports cricket training alongside volleyball and basketball during adverse weather. A ambitious redevelopment plan was announced in February 2024 by the in collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the , budgeted at Rs 600-700 crore, to transform the stadium into a world-class multi-sport complex with a seating capacity of 60,000, modern amenities such as food courts, enhanced parking, and adjacent commercial developments like a retail mall and five-star hotel, targeted for completion by 2027. As of November 2025, partial renovations—including outfield improvements and facility upgrades—have supported hosting matches such as the India-South Africa T20I on December 9, 2025, amid ongoing discussions on the full project's timeline under the current state government.

Facilities

Main stadium features

Barabati Stadium is located on the western banks of the River in , , , offering picturesque surroundings and excellent accessibility via National Highway 16 and the Cuttack railway junction, which connects to major cities like and . The venue is owned by the Odisha Olympic Association on land leased from the and is primarily operated by the for matches, while the Football Association of Odisha manages football events held there. As of 2025, the stadium's stands at approximately 45,000. Although plans for to increase capacity to 60,000 by 2027 were announced in January 2025, the government stated in March 2025 that there are no current provisions for renovation. The playing surface features a black pitch, typically favoring batsmen with true bounce but capable of offering variable conditions and some skid, particularly in limited-overs formats. The ground has been floodlit since 2003, enabling day-night matches under six lighting towers. Spectator facilities include four roofed stands, one of which houses a new media box accommodating up to 200 journalists, along with basic amenities such as restrooms, food stalls, and parking for around 1,000 vehicles in designated areas nearby.

Indoor cricket hall

The Indoor Cricket Hall at Barabati Stadium is a dedicated four-storied facility constructed to provide year-round training, particularly during inclement weather or off-season periods. Measuring 185 feet in length, 65 feet in width, and 44 feet in height, the centrally air-conditioned structure features four practice pitches on the ground floor, equipped with floodlights to simulate match conditions for batsmen and bowlers. Additional amenities include a viewing gallery on the upper floor accommodating up to 100 spectators, store rooms for equipment, a fitness center serving as a , and multiple changing rooms for coaches and players across various floors. These features support comprehensive training sessions, including nets practice and skill development for bowlers and batsmen, enabling uninterrupted coaching regardless of external weather conditions. The hall was built at a cost of Rs 16 crore, funded by the (OCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Inaugurated on April 1, 2012, the facility was officially named the Indoor Cricket Hall to honor the Indian cricketer's achievement of scoring his 100th international century, marking a tribute to his contributions to the sport. It primarily serves the OCA's development programs, facilitating junior and state-level coaching initiatives to nurture emerging talent in .

International Cricket

Test matches

Barabati Stadium has hosted only two Test matches in its history, both featuring as the home team. The first occurred from January 4 to 7, 1987, during Sri Lanka's tour of , where secured a decisive victory by an innings and 67 runs. Batting first, compiled 400 all out, with top-scoring with a career-best 166 runs, supported by contributions from (40) and (60). Sri Lanka managed 191 in their first innings, bowled out by a mix of pace and spin, including Ravi Shastri's 4/69, before folding for 142 in the second, handing a comprehensive win in the three-match series, which they claimed 2-0. The second and final Test at the venue took place from November 8 to 12, 1995, against . Severely impacted by rain, with no play on days two and three, the match ended in a draw. India declared at 296/8 in their first innings after 118 overs, led by Nayan Mongia's unbeaten 45 and Mohammad Azharuddin's 35, while closed at 175/8 in 95 overs, with Mark Greatbatch making 50. Leg-spinner earned for his 6/59 in 's only innings, exploiting the conditions effectively. Across these two Tests, recorded one win and one draw, with no defeats. The highest team total remains 's 400 in 1987, underscoring the venue's limited but notable role in . Vengsarkar's century and Hirwani's eight-wicket haul stand out among key individual performances. The pitch at Barabati Stadium during these Tests was typically slow and turning, offering significant assistance to spinners as the progressed, though the 1987 surface was underprepared with unpredictable bounce that challenged batsmen early on.

One Day Internationals

Barabati Stadium hosted its first on 27 January 1982, when defeated by five wickets to secure a 2-1 series . This debut match marked only the third ODI ever played on Indian soil, establishing the venue as an early hub for limited-overs . Over the years, the stadium has accommodated 20 ODIs up to 2025, with securing 12 wins, opponents claiming 7 victories, and one match yielding no result due to rain. It has featured in two s, hosting group-stage fixtures in 1987 and 1996. In the 1987 Reliance , beat by 70 runs on 30 October. The 1996 Wills saw triumph over by 72 runs (via superior ) on 18 February, followed by 's 18-run win against two days later. Notable recent ODIs highlight the venue's evolution into a batsman-friendly ground. On 21 January 2017, posted a formidable 381/6 against —the highest total at the stadium—and defended it by 15 runs despite 's aggressive 366/8 reply. The most recent encounter, the second ODI of the tour on 9 February 2025, saw score 304 before chased 305 with 4 wickets and 33 balls to spare, sealing a 2-0 series lead. Pitch conditions at Barabati Stadium have trended toward high-scoring affairs in later years, with first-innings totals averaging over 250 runs across the 20 matches. Teams batting second have prevailed in 12 of these contests, underscoring the advantage of chasing under the venue's typically flat surfaces and consistent bounce.

Twenty20 Internationals

Barabati Stadium has hosted two (T20I) matches to date, both featuring as the home team in night fixtures under floodlights. The first was on 20 December 2017 against , where posted 180/3 in 20 overs, powered by Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 118, before restricting the visitors to 87 all out in 16 overs to secure a 93-run victory. The second occurred on 12 June 2022 versus , with scoring 148/6 in their innings; chased the target in 18.2 overs, finishing at 149/6 for a four-wicket win, led by ' 45 and Keshav Maharaj's 2/26. These encounters highlight the venue's limited but notable role in the shortest international format, with holding a 1-1 record. Statistical trends from these matches reveal an average first-innings score of approximately 164, favoring batsmen early on the black-soil pitch, which offers true bounce and quickens to assist pace bowlers in the middle overs. has emerged as a significant factor in the second innings during evening games, complicating grip for spinners and aiding chases, as seen in South Africa's successful pursuit in despite India's competitive total. The stadium's floodlights, installed during renovations in the early , have enabled these high-profile night contests, adapting the venue effectively for T20I's demands of rapid scoring and strategic bowling variations. Looking ahead, Barabati Stadium is scheduled to host its third T20I on 9 2025, the opening match of a five-game series between and , marking the venue's return to after a three-year gap. This fixture underscores the ground's growing relevance in T20I scheduling, building on its balanced conditions that promote competitive, dew-influenced encounters.

Domestic and Other Events

Domestic cricket fixtures

Barabati Stadium has hosted over 85 matches since its early years, with the first recorded one in December 1953, establishing it as a key venue for first-class domestic in eastern . As the home ground of the , it regularly stages their fixtures, providing a familiar setting for state-level competition. In the 2023-24 season, Odisha hosted Puducherry at the stadium in February 2024, where the match ended in a draw after Odisha set a target of 240 but Puducherry held on at 175/8. Recent encounters include the October 2024 Group A match against Jammu and Kashmir, which concluded in a thrilling draw with Sandeep Pattnaik's resilient batting denying a J&K victory, and the 2025-26 season opener against Baroda in October 2025, resulting in a seven-wicket win for Baroda. Another notable fixture in November 2025 saw secure an innings victory over Odisha, scoring 475 in their first innings. The stadium also serves as a prominent host for limited-overs domestic tournaments, including the one-day competition and the T20 event, with utilizing it for home games to build momentum in group stages. It has accommodated 66 List A matches, encompassing multiple fixtures for the state team, such as East Zone encounters in past seasons. For the 2025-26 season, 's home matches in Elite Group D, including potential clashes against teams like Saurashtra, are scheduled at Barabati, aligning with the tournament's December 2025 to January 2026 window. Similarly, the venue has hosted 44 T20 matches, featuring games. In the 2025-26 edition, 's Elite Group A fixtures, starting November 2025, include home T20s at the stadium against opponents such as . Beyond competitive fixtures, Barabati Stadium plays a vital role in talent development through the (OCA), which uses the venue for state team selections, junior national championships, and training academies aimed at players aged 11 to 19. OCA initiatives, including scorer education workshops and the Odisha Cricket League, are conducted here to identify and groom emerging talent for higher levels. Statistically, Odisha maintains a competitive home record at Barabati in , securing several outright wins and draws that bolster their standings, though recent seasons show mixed results with visiting teams claiming victories in high-scoring affairs. First-innings totals in these matches frequently surpass 300 runs, as evidenced by Baroda's 413/7 and Andhra's 475 in 2025-26 games, underscoring the pitch's batting-friendly characteristics that favor substantial accumulations.

Football and multi-sport usage

Barabati Stadium, inaugurated in as a multi-purpose sports facility, has historically accommodated a variety of events beyond cricket, including football matches, athletics competitions, and cultural gatherings. Initially designed to support diverse sporting and community activities in post-independence , the venue facilitated early athletics meets and football fixtures, reflecting its role in promoting regional development. Over time, it has also hosted tournaments through the Odisha Kabaddi Association, which maintains facilities within the stadium complex, and occasional cultural festivals alongside music concerts. In football, the stadium serves as a key venue under shared operations with the Football Association of Odisha (FAO), which is headquartered there. It regularly hosts state-level competitions such as the Odisha First Division League and FAO Super Cup matches, providing a platform for local teams and fostering grassroots development. The venue gained prominence as the primary host for the 66th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy in 2012, where Services defeated Tamil Nadu 3-2 in the final to claim the title. Earlier, it staged significant national events like the Federation Cup in 2017, which boosted football enthusiasm in the region and drew substantial crowds. Despite its multi-sport legacy, the stadium's primary focus on has occasionally constrained scheduling for other disciplines, including football, due to pitch preparation demands and event prioritization by the . Recent discussions have highlighted efforts to enhance facilities, such as advocating for better multi-use infrastructure to balance competing sports needs. events, though less frequent today, continue through affiliated associations, while activities leverage the indoor and outdoor spaces for state and national selections. The stadium's versatility underscores its enduring contribution to Odisha's sporting culture, accommodating diverse events that engage local communities.

Records and Statistics

Batting milestones

Barabati Stadium has witnessed limited but notable batting achievements in , with only one century scored across its two hosted Tests. In the 1987 third Test against , produced the venue's sole Test hundred, scoring 166 runs off 296 balls, anchoring India's on a challenging pitch to help them post 400 all out and secure an innings victory. This remains the highest individual score in Test matches at the ground, underscoring the difficulty of batting on its surfaces during the longer format. The stadium's One Day International history is richer in batting exploits, featuring 13 centuries in total up to 2025, reflecting its reputation for favoring strokeplay in limited-overs cricket. Mohammad Azharuddin's unbeaten 153 off 150 balls against Zimbabwe in 1998 stands as the highest individual ODI score at Barabati, a masterful knock that propelled India to a comfortable win and highlighted the venue's potential for expansive innings. More recently, in the 2025 second ODI versus England, Rohit Sharma scored 119 off 90 balls, his 32nd ODI century, guiding India to a series-clinching four-wicket victory and adding to the ground's legacy of high-scoring chases. Team totals have also been impressive, with India's 381 for 6 against England in 2017 marking the highest ODI score at the venue, driven by Yuvraj Singh's 150 and MS Dhoni's 134 in a thrilling 15-run win. In Internationals, Barabati has hosted three matches since 2015, with batting highs tempered by the format's brevity and variable conditions. The highest individual T20I score occurred in the 2022 second T20I against , where smashed an unbeaten 81 off 46 balls, enabling a four-wicket chase of 149 and showcasing aggressive middle-order play. No centuries have been recorded in T20Is here, but India's 180 for 3 against in 2017 remains the ground's top team total in the format, built on steady contributions from (61) and (unbeaten 38). These milestones illustrate Barabati's evolution as a venue conducive to bold batting, particularly in white-ball cricket, while maintaining a balanced challenge in Tests.

Bowling achievements

Barabati Stadium has seen limited but notable bowling feats in , with only two five-wicket hauls recorded. The first occurred during the 1986-87 tour of , where all-rounder Ravi Ratnayeke claimed 5/85 in the third , helping to restrict to 400 in their first innings despite Dilip Vengsarkar's 166. This medium-pace effort highlighted the venue's occasional assistance to seamers on a wearing pitch. The second and the best Test figures at the ground came from leg-spinner , who took 6/59 in the 1995 tour, dismantling the visitors for 194 in their only innings during a rain-affected draw; Hirwani's spell earned him . In One Day Internationals, the standout performance is Daren Powell's 4/27 against in , a pace spell that restricted the hosts under overcast conditions. No five-wicket hauls have been taken in One Day Internationals at the venue. No five-wicket hauls have been taken in Twenty20 Internationals at the venue, with the best figures being Yuzvendra Chahal's 4/23 against in 2017. Overall, the ground's best Test bowling remains Hirwani's 6/59, while in ODIs, economy rates have favored disciplined pacers like , who recorded 3.25 against during the . Bowling trends at Barabati Stadium reveal a spin-dominant in Tests, where turn and bounce have aided spinners like Hirwani to extract key breakthroughs on days three and four, contributing to the two hauls both involving significant spin or medium-pace variation. In contrast, ODIs have seen pace dominate, with seamers claiming 137 wickets compared to 88 by spinners across 21 matches, though tweakers maintain a superior average of 34.64 versus 38.21 for pacers; this balance stems from the pitch offering early seam movement before slowing for spin later.

Team and partnership records

Barabati Stadium has witnessed several notable team performances across international formats. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), the highest team total is 381 for 6, achieved by India against England on January 19, 2017. The lowest all-out total in ODIs at the venue is 113, recorded by West Indies against Australia on October 20, 1996. Standout partnerships have also marked the stadium's history. The highest partnership in ODIs is an unbroken 275 for the fourth wicket between Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja for India against Zimbabwe on April 9, 1998. In Test cricket, a significant 200-run stand for the third wicket was forged by Dilip Vengsarkar and Ravi Shastri for India against Sri Lanka in January 1987, contributing to their innings victory. Regarding win statistics, maintains a 100% win rate in the Tests hosted here, securing one victory and one draw across two matches. In ODIs, teams chasing have succeeded in 13 out of 21 completed games, highlighting the venue's balanced nature for pursuits. In domestic cricket, achieved their highest total at the stadium with 552 for 7 declared against Jammu and Kashmir in the 2006/07 season.

Notable Events and Controversies

Memorable matches and milestones

Barabati Stadium has been the site of several landmark moments in cricket history, particularly during international fixtures that showcased exceptional individual performances and dramatic encounters. One of the earliest highlights occurred during the inaugural Test match at the venue in January 1987, when Indian captain claimed his 300th wicket by dismissing Sri Lanka's Rumesh Ratnayake with a low-bouncing delivery on the second day of the game against . This , achieved at the age of 28, underscored Kapil's dominance as a fast bowler and cemented the stadium's place in Indian cricket lore during India's innings victory by 67 runs. The stadium's role in World Cup history added to its prestige, with notable performances drawing massive crowds and creating electric atmospheres. In the 1996 Wills , scored his maiden century, an unbeaten 127 off 130 balls, guiding to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over in a match. The innings, featuring 16 fours and a six, electrified the capacity crowd at Barabati, marking a pivotal moment in Tendulkar's career and contributing to the intense fan frenzy that characterized India's campaign on home soil. Earlier, during the 1987 Reliance , the venue hosted a thrilling group stage encounter that highlighted the stadium's growing international stature, though India's direct involvement in high-stakes ties came in subsequent tours. More recently, in February 2025, Barabati Stadium witnessed another thrilling ODI chase during the second match of England's tour of India, where vice-captain Shubman Gill played a starring role in India's successful pursuit of 308 against England. Gill's fluent 60, part of a 136-run opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, set the tone for India's four-wicket win in 44.3 overs, blending aggressive strokeplay with composure under pressure to deliver a memorable victory for the home team. These moments, from Kapil's historic wicket to Gill's chase, exemplify the stadium's legacy of hosting games that blend individual brilliance with collective drama.

Fan incidents and pitch issues

Fan protests have periodically disrupted events at the stadium. More recently, the 2025 India-England ODI faced backlash over ticketing issues, with excessive VIP allocations limiting public access and sparking outrage among fans who gathered outside but returned empty-handed despite high demand. During the match itself, a malfunction halted play for approximately 35 minutes when one of the light towers failed, prompting criticism of facilities maintenance and leading to a show-cause notice from the government to the . Pitch conditions at Barabati Stadium have drawn complaints for inconsistency. In several ODIs during the , the surface was criticized as overly flat, favoring batsmen and leading to high-scoring games with limited assistance for bowlers.

References

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