Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is not one of the oldest stadiums in India. In fact, it is one of the newer ones that was established around 23 years ago. This stadium holds many memories of hosting various domestic and international matches. It was originally called Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, and it was later renamed and rebuilt to host more international matches.
Read this article to know more Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, its history, weather, records, and other tourist places.
Stadium Overview
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium or Visakha International Cricket Stadium is situated in Uppal, Hyderabad, India. The Hyderabad Cricket Association owns the stadium. They established it in the year 2003 and inaugurated it on 5th November 2005. The stadium can hold a capacity of around 38,000 or more people. The dimensions of the pitch are 134 meters* 133 meters. The stadium pitch is clay and batting-friendly, and there are six floodlights in the stadium. The stadium ends at North End and South End.

| Information | Details |
| Full Name | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium |
| Location | Uppal, Hyderabad, India |
| Established | 2003 |
| Capacity | 38,000 |
| Owned by | Hyderabad Cricket Association |
| Other Name | Visakha International Cricket Stadium |
| Flood Lights | Six Towers,(7th April, 2008) |
| Inauguration | 5th November, 2005 |
| Pitch Dimensions | 134 meters* 133 meters |
| Pitch | Clay pitch, batting-friendly track, Grass |
| End Names | North End, South End |
History & Evolution of Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
- Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium had to be replaced in the early 2000s at the appeal of the Hyderabad Cricket Association. The construction began on a land in Uppal, Hyderabad.
- They were doing this to improve the stadium’s infrastructure, which may attract the audience globally and host other international matches.
- The authorities initially named the newly built stadium in 2003 Visakha International Cricket Stadium.
- The authorities later renamed the stadium as the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in memory of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
- The authorities inaugurated the stadium on 5th November 2005 with its first international match between India and South Africa.
- Shashi Prabhu has designed the infrastructure of the stadium.
Location & How to reach Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
- Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is located in Uppal, Hyderabad. The full address of the stadium is CH42+J59(Map coordinates), RGI Stadium Rd, Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039.
- For people living outside Hyderabad, one can reach Hyderabad after a flight by booking a taxi. The taxi might cost around Rs 800 to Rs 1200. The total distance taken is 45-60 minutes.
- If you are living in Hyderabad, you can book a train to Uppal or Habisguda, which is 25-30 km away.
- Further, you can take auto-rickshaw or a taxi, which is 10 minutes away from the stadium.
- You can take the bus on the bus routes 10A, 16, and 289 from Koti to Uppal Ring Road. It might take you around 45 minutes of travel.
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Stadium Capacity & Layout
- Seating Capacity: 38,000
- Ground Shape: Oval
- Playing Area Dimensions: 134 meters * 133 meters
- Name Ends: North End, South End
- Floodlights: Six Towers
- Operator: Hyderabad Cricket Association
- Home Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Weather Report of Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

- The weather at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium as of January 2026 is sunny and temperate.
- The temperature is currently around 27 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius.
- The sky is humid with around 44% to 45% in the sky.
- The wind is moving at a speed of 6-11 km/hr.
- The night is expected to be cooler than the day, with 18 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius.
- The rain might not happen as there is 0% chance according to the news channels.
Pitch Report of Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
- This stadium is known for its great batting pitch conditions in IPL 2025. This stadium has an average of 10.67.
- People know the stadium to be a true bounce track, a pace-friendly pitch.
- But in summer, the pitch becomes hot and humid, and dry due to a heatwave. This supports the spinners. But it fails to support the batsman.
- Overall, the field will support the fielders if it is dry. Otherwise, it supports the batsman also.
Major tournaments at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
| Category | Details |
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | The stadium is the home ground for Sunrisers Hyderabad. |
| ICC Cricket World Cup | The stadium hosted its first Cricket World Cup in 2023. Teams such as Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand participated in the matches held in this stadium. |
| International Cricket | It is one of the popular stadiums to host all international cricket formats such as Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. |
| Domestic Cricket | It has hosted many matches for the Ranji Trophy. It has also hosted the Women’s Premier League (WPL) . |
| Upcoming Events | As per reports, the tournament such as ICC U19 World Cup matches (2026) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) matches (2026). |
Memorable matches at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
| Year | Date | Fixture | Result | Format |
| 2005 | 16 Nov | Ind vs South Africa | South Africa won by 5 wickets | ODI |
| 2007 | 5 Oct | India vs Australia | Australia won by 47 runs | ODI |
| 2009 | 5 Nov | India vs Australia | Australia won by 3 runs | ODI |
| 2011 | 14 Oct | India vs Eng | India won by 126 runs | ODI |
| 2010 | 12-16 Nov | India vs New Zealand | Match drawn | Test |
| 2012 | 23-26 Aug | India vs New Zealand | India by inns & 115 runs | Test |
| 2013 | 2-5 Mar | India vs Australia | India won by innings & 135 runs | Test |
| 2019 | 6 Dec | India vs West Indies | India by 6 wickets | T20I |
| 2022 | 25 Sep | India vs Australia | India won by 6 wickets | T20I |
| 2024 | 12 Oct | India vs Bangladesh | India won by 133 runs | T20I |
Records made at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
One Day Internationals (ODI)
- In 2023, Shubman Gill scored 208 runs in the match, India vs New Zealand. This score ranks him among the highest-scoring individuals.
Twenty20 Internationals (T20I)
- India scored the highest runs with 297 runs, losing 6 wickets in the T20I match against Bangladesh in 2024.
- Sanju Samson, who played for India, scored 111 runs against the West Indies in 2024.
Test Matches
- India scored the highest run with 687 runs in 6 days against New Zealand in 2016.
- Brendon McCullum scored 225 runs, becoming the highest Individual scorer in this format.
- R. Ashwin is known to have the best bowling figures. The highest one went to 12 wickets for 85 runs.
Indian Premier League
- Abhishek Sharma became the fastest 50 runs scorer in just 16 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024.
- Abhishek Sharma scored the fastest century in just 40 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025.
- Abhishek Sharma became the highest individual scorer with 141 runs.
Tourist attraction near the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

- Chikur Balaji Temple (Visa Balaji Temple): This temple is a popular Lord Balaji temple, which is situated on the banks of Osman Sagar in Telangana. People come from distant places to take the blessings of Lord Balaji.
- Golconda Fort: This old and beautiful fort sits on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The Kakatiya ruler established it. People admire it for its beautiful architecture.
- Gachibowli: It is a popular tourist place that includes big IT/business firms, restaurants, and cafes. It is basically a hangout place where people can eat, chill and visit other places.
- Salar Jung Museum: This museum is located at Dar-ul-Shifa, Hyderabad, Telangana. It is known for its unique and rare object collection, which attracts tourists.
Future matches in Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
- According to internet sources, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, holds two matches for the Ranji Trophy.
- 1st match is between Hyderabad against Mumbai on 22nd January, 2026, in Elite Group D, Hyderabad.
- 2nd match is between Hyderabad against Chhattisgarh on 29th January, 2026, in Elite Group D, Hyderabad.
| Date | Match Details | Format | Trophy | Match Schedule |
| 22nd January, 2026(Thursday), 9:30 am | Hyderabad vs Mumbai | Elite Group D, Hyderabad | Ranji Trophy | January 22-25, 2026 |
| 29th January, 2026 (Thursday) | Hyderabad vs Chhattisgarh | Elite Group D, Hyderabad | Ranji Trophy | January 29th- 01st February, 2026 |
Conclusion
This article was about the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, its history, origin, memorable matches, future matches, and much more. This stadium has hosted many domestic and international matches on its stadium. It has seen many wins and losses during the matches. The objective of rebuilding the stadium was to attract a larger international audience. It wanted to host many international and it proved to be one of the best stadiums in India.
Read More:
Pakistan National Under-19 Cricket Team vs India National Under-19 Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Refresh Date: January 16, 2026


