Cricket – The Karnataka State Cricket Association marked a historic milestone on Friday by dedicating stands to former India captains Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, as the iconic ground completed 50 years as an international venue.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations at a Historic Venue

The ceremony was held to commemorate five decades since the stadium began hosting international cricket. Over the years, the venue has witnessed several defining moments in Indian cricket history, from gripping Test matches to high-scoring limited-overs contests.

KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad led the event, describing the honour as a tribute not only to two exceptional cricketers but also to Karnataka’s enduring contribution to the national team. The association said the decision reflects the lasting impact both players have had on the sport at state and national levels.

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has long been regarded as one of India’s premier cricket grounds. Its journey from a regional venue to a globally recognised stadium mirrors the broader rise of Indian cricket on the world stage.

Anil Kumble Reflects on an Emotional Moment

Anil Kumble called the occasion deeply personal. He recalled visiting the stadium as a young boy and never imagining that one day his name would adorn a pavilion there. For him, the recognition represents not only individual achievement but also the collective growth of Indian cricket.

Kumble noted that the stadium’s evolution over the past five decades has paralleled the transformation of the national team. He also expressed appreciation for the Board of Control for Cricket in India, acknowledging the administrative structure that has allowed players from across the country to pursue professional careers in the sport.

Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest bowlers, Kumble remains the country’s highest wicket-taker in both Test and One Day International cricket. He concluded his international career with 619 Test wickets and 337 ODI wickets, taking a total of 953 wickets across formats. His achievements continue to stand among the finest records in the game.

Rahul Dravid Calls Ground His Second Home

Rahul Dravid described the stadium as a place that shaped him both as a cricketer and as a person. He said he spent more time on its practice pitches and outfield than at his own residence during his formative years.

According to Dravid, the ground has been a witness to moments of joy as well as disappointment—experiences that strengthened his resolve and character. He expressed gratitude to the Karnataka State Cricket Association for considering him worthy of such recognition, adding that the venue has played a central role in his journey.

Dravid retired as one of India’s most accomplished batters. Across 504 international matches in all formats, he amassed 24,064 runs, including 48 centuries and 145 half-centuries. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have scored more runs for India in international cricket. Like Kumble, Dravid also led the national team during his career and later served Indian cricket in coaching and administrative capacities.

A Tribute to Karnataka’s Cricketing Legacy

Both Kumble and Dravid emerged from Karnataka’s domestic cricket system before establishing themselves on the international stage. Their rise from local cricket to global recognition remains a source of pride for the state association.

By naming stands after the two stalwarts, KSCA has permanently linked their legacy with one of India’s most celebrated cricket venues. The gesture also serves as inspiration for young cricketers who continue to train at the ground with dreams of representing the country.

As the M Chinnaswamy Stadium marks half a century of international cricket, the tribute underscores how individual excellence and institutional support together have shaped the narrative of Indian cricket. The newly named stands now stand as enduring reminders of two careers that defined an era.