ICC World Cup 2023: MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and 8 more venues where India will play

Among India's World Cup-bound players, Virat Kohli has scored the highest runs (337, in eight matches) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. (Photo via X)

The Reliance Cup 1987, jointly held in India and Pakistan, was the last October World Cup. Thirty-six years on, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India hosts the 2023 ODI World Cup, here's a look at the stadiums where Rohit Sharma and Co. will operate against their opponents:

MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai)

The 1987 World Cup game between India and Australia, where Kapil Dev's side lost by a run, is still a talking point in cricketing circles. The teams, albeit a different generation of cricketers, will meet on October 8 for their tournament opener at this venue.

Ground records: Among the World Cup-bound players, Virat Kohli has the highest runs (337) in eight matches at the venue, with 138 against South Africa being the best knock.

Rohit Sharma played seven games at the venue but could manage only 140 runs in aggregate.

Hardik Pandya has played only two games against Australia at this venue in the last six years and stood out for his all-round performances. In 2017, he scored 83 and returned 2/28 for a winning cause, and in 2023, he scored 40 and returned 3/44, but unfortunately, India lost.

Pandya also tops the bowler's list with five wickets in two games, alongside Aussie leg-spinner Adam Zampa (five wickets in two) and Indian left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (five wickets in three).

Highest individual score at the stadium: 194 by Saeed Anwar (PAK) against India

Best bowling figures in a match: 5/51 by Ravi Rampaul (WI) against India

Highest ODI total: 327/5 by Pakistan against India in 1998

Lowest ODI total: 69 by Pakistan against New Zealand in 2011

Capacity: 38,000 but is expected to be approximately 42,000 after the opening of the three new stands. The refurbished Chepauk also has wheelchair access to the lower stand of the I block.

In and around Chennai: Different cuisines are available at renowned restaurants in the stadium vicinity. Try the biryani at Dindigul Thalappakatti on Mount Road and the varieties of dosas at Mathsya and Sangeetha. On non-match days, a walk by the Marina Beach can also be refreshing. Puducherry, a popular holiday destination, is two-and-a-half hours away by road.

Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi)

India played the Netherlands at this venue in the last ODI World Cup in India in March 2011. There were no star players or a close contest as the men in blue won by five wickets. This time, India will play Afghanistan, who can put up a fight on October 11.

Ground records: Kohli, yet again, is the man with most runs: 222 in seven matches, the best knock being 112 not out against England. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson's 118 against India in his only appearance in 2016 was a quality knock.

Slow left-arm spin bowler Ravindra Jadeja has benefited from the wicket in Delhi, with nine wickets in six appearances with a best show of 3/44. He tops the list of bowlers at the ground, followed by pacer Mohammed Shami, who has seven wickets in three games, the best spell being 4/36 against the West Indies.

Highest individual score: 145 by Ricky Ponting (AUS) against Zimbabwe

Best bowling figures in a match: 6/27 by Kemar Roach (WI) against The Netherlands

Highest ODI total: 330/8 by West Indies against The Netherlands in 2011

Lowest ODI total: 99 by South Africa against India in 2022

Capacity: 35,000 on paper, but it may go up to 40,000 after new seats replace the 10,000-odd old seats. The DDCA will provide free water at the venue, plus the family and VIP lounge will sport a new look. There is still no update on the ramps for wheelchair access.

In and around Delhi: One can take an auto and get to India Gate in 15 minutes from the stadium. It is a popular tourist spot to chill out and visit the Parliament building. Gulati Restaurant at Pandara Road is a must-visit for Delhi-style Indian food.

One can check out the Red Fort and Qutub Minar to get closer to Indian history and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum at Safdarjung Lane.

Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad)

The crowd in Gujarat saw a high-octane quarterfinal between India and Australia in 2011 that M.S. Dhoni's side won by five wickets. The Narendra Modi Stadium will be hosting the much-awaited India-Pakistan match on October 14. The world's largest cricket stadium covers 63 acres.

Ground records: Sharma has the best ODI record with 221 runs in five games and the best knock of 95 against the Windies. Kohli has not exploded at this ground. He has only one fifty under his belt in his aggregate of 176 runs in seven games.

India will play against Pakistan here, on October 14. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Skiddy Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna has been the best bowler for the men in blue with nine wickets in three matches, including the best spell of 4/12 against the Windies. Mohammed Siraj, the current World No. 1 in ODIs, is next in the list with five wickets in three matches. The spell of 3/29 against the Windies remains his best.

Highest individual score: 144 by Sourav Ganguly (IND) against Zimbabwe

Best bowling figures in a match: 4/12 by Prasidh Krishna (IND) against West Indies

Highest ODI total: 365/2 by South Africa against India in 2010

Lowest ODI total: 85 by Zimbabwe against the West Indies in 2006

Capacity: 1,32,000 on paper, but sight-screens on both ends and the extended dressing room arena could make some seats inaccessible. According to reports, fans and guests will have access to 1,20,000 seats with facilities for differently-abled spectators. It has 76 air-conditioned corporate boxes, LED lights, a parking space which can accommodate around 3,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers.

In and around Ahmedabad: On non-match days, one can visit the Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Among other things, the museum has a sizable collection of manuscripts of Mahatma Gandhi's writings. The Sabarmati river waterfront is a popular tourist area. After roaming the day, a visit to Manek Chowk for the food stalls, which starts at 9.30 pm, is a must.

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium (Pune)

Pune will host a World Cup match after 27 years. The old Nehru Stadium in Pune entered the Cup record books when minnows Kenya beat a star-studded West Indies in 1996 by 73 runs. The Maharashtra Cricket Stadium by the Talegaon highway, which started operations in 2013, will host their first World Cup match in 2023. India will meet Bangladesh here on October 19.

Ground records: Kohli (448 runs in seven games), with a highest score of 122, is the best player at the venue. England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow had a good time here with 219 runs in three matches, including a hundred (124) against India.

Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah (eight wickets in three matches) and Shardul Thakur (seven wickets in three) have wreaked havoc at this ground. Bumrah's best figures are 4/35 against the West Indies, while Thakur's 4/67 helped India restrict England in one of the ODIs in 2021.

Highest individual score: 124 by Jonny Bairstow (ENG) against India

Best bowling figures in a match: 4/35 by Jasprit Bumrah (IND) against West Indies

Highest ODI total: 356/7 by India against England in 2017

Lowest ODI total: 230 by New Zealand against India in 2017

Capacity: Approximately 37,000. The area has an open parking space as it is by the highway. And it is preferable to drive your own vehicle since there will be no option to return to the city via public transport late at night, unless the authorities plan to run special buses.

In and around Pune: One can drive down to Khandala and Lonavala, an hour away from the stadium and witness the scenic hill tops and lakes.

HPCA Stadium (Dharamsala)

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association hosted a few games of the World T20 in 2016. India will play New Zealand on October 22. The scenic cricket ground will host a 50-over World Cup match for the first time.

Ground records: Kohli rules the charts in the hills with 212 runs in three appearances. The best knock of 127 came against the Windies.

New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Latham has a solitary fifty (79 not out) against India in Dharamsala. His effort ended in a losing cause as Pandya, who made his ODI debut in that game, returned 3/34 to win the player of the match award. Spinner Jadeja and pacer Shami have three wickets each at the venue in two matches.

Highest individual score: 127 by Virat Kohli (IND) against West Indies

Best bowling figures in a match: 4/13 by Suranga Lakmal (SL) against India

Highest ODI total: 330/6 by India against the West Indies

Lowest ODI total: 112 by India against Sri Lanka

Capacity: 25,000. The snow-capped Dauladhar hill range forms the backdrop of the venue. The stadium lies at an altitude of 1317 metres above sea level.

In and around Dharamsala: Located in the Kangra district, the region is known for being the home of the Dalai Lama. Mcleodganj is a favourite camp site: a 30-minute drive from the stadium. One can go for the Kareri river trek and the Bhagsu trek. There are budget homestays and quaint cafes around the area.

Ekana International Cricket Stadium (Lucknow)

Ekana acted as the home ground for the Afghanistan cricket team when they hosted the West Indies in 2019. The last ODI at the venue was played between India and South Africa, which the touring party won. Hosting World Cup games will boost the cricket culture in the royal city of Lucknow.

India will meet England at this venue on October 29.

Ground records: Afghanistan's Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, and Ikram Alikhil have had decent runs here with fifties under their belt. South Africa's David Miller (75*) and Heinrich Klaasen (74*) have scored fifties in their only outing against India. Shreyas Iyer had scored a 37-ball 50 in that match but could not finish it.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman (five wickets), Naveen-ul-Haq (four), Lungi Ngidi (three wickets) and Thakur (two) have had days of sunshine.

Highest individual score: 109 by Shai Hope against Afghanistan

Best bowling figures in a match: 3/29 by Sheldon Cottrell against Afghanistan

Highest ODI total: 253/5 by West Indies against Afghanistan

Lowest ODI total: 194 by Afghanistan against the West Indies

Capacity: The stadium can hold 50,000 spectators. And there are no pillars or sight screens to obstruct the view. There is wheelchair access in every block, besides 32 corporate boxes, 16 at each end. Every block offers washrooms for men, women and the differently-abled.

In and around Lucknow: One can explore the historical sites in Lucknow, where the Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara and Rumi Darwaza top the list. Beyond history, one should definitely not miss the food at Tunday Kababi.

Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)

In a repeat of the 2011 World Cup final, India will meet Sri Lanka in the 2023 edition at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2. The venue had hosted the India-Australia World Cup match in 1996 before it hosted three games in the 2011 edition.

Ground records: Kohli is the current Indian team's highest-scorer at the ground with 269 runs in six games. The 121 against New Zealand in 2017 is his best score. Earlier this year in March, KL Rahul's unbeaten 75 and Mitchell Marsh's 65-ball 81 highlighted the sporting batting wicket.

Among the current bowlers, the fast bowlers have broken the back of opponents at this venue. Tim Southee (seven wickets in three games), Mitchell Starc (six wickets in two), Trent Boult (4/35 in one) and Kagiso Rabada (4/41 in one) have been phenomenal.

Highest individual score: 151* by Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) against India

Best bowling figures in a match: 6/27 by Murali Kartik (IND) against Australia

Highest ODI total: 438/4 by South Africa against India

Lowest ODI total: 115 by Bangladesh against India

Capacity: India's cricket capital can accommodate 32,000 spectators. The stadium has seven different stands - Sunil Gavaskar Stand, Sachin Tendulkar Stand, Garware Pavilion, Divecha Pavilion, MCA Pavilion, Vijay Merchant Stand and North Stand.

In and around Mumbai: The stadium is located on the lap of Arabian Sea. One can enjoy the sea from Marine Drive and Nariman Point and explore the old eateries around South Mumbai. A visit to the cricket grounds will underline how the clubs hone their future cricketers at the maidans.

Eden Gardens (Kolkata)

The Eden Gardens missed out on hosting the India-England game in 2011 as it couldn't finish the renovation on time. It will finally stage an India game in the mega event after 27 years - the last being the semifinal against Sri Lanka in 1996.

India will take on South Africa at Eden on November 5.

Ground records: Kohli and Sharma have the most runs among the Cup-bound batters. The former India captain scored 330 runs in seven matches. He scored his maiden ODI hundred - 107 against Sri Lanka - at this ground. Sharma scored 264 against the Lankans in one of the ODIs in 2014. Overall, the skipper has 288 runs in three matches.

Ravindra Jadeja (nine wickets in four matches) and Kuldeep Yadav (six wickets in two) have hoodwinked batters comfortably. Yadav also took a hat-trick against Australia in 2017.

India will take on South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on November 5, 2023. (File)

Highest individual score: 264 by Rohit Sharma against Sri Lanka

Best bowling figures in a match: 6/12 by Anil Kumble against West Indies

Highest ODI total: 404/5 by India against Sri Lanka in 2014

Lowest ODI total: 123 by West Indies against India in 1993

Capacity: The stadium can hold 65,500 people; 63,252 seats are for the stands, while the remaining are within the hospitality box. There are 32 corporate boxes on the premises, with 16 reserved for the state association and the rest for the BCCI and ICC. The stadium connects to different parts of the city via the Esplanade Metro station.

In and around Kolkata: Kolkata is all about football, arts and culture. Over the years, the cricket frenzy has grown to be on a par with football. One can actually play football with groups of kids scattered in the maidan area. A jetty or a boat ride on the Ganga behind the stadium is an attraction besides a visit to Park Street to check out the restaurants and the live music scene, which is one of the best in the country.

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru)

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium hosted the tied match between India and England in the 2011 World Cup. The defending champions of 2023, England, were stunned by Ireland at the same ground. India will play the Netherlands at this classy venue in Bengaluru on November 12.

Ground records: Among the current group, Indian captain Sharma has the most runs at the venue - 437 runs in four matches, including the best score 209 against Australia. Kohli's highest score at the ground is 89 against Australia, but overall, he has only 152 runs in six matches. Australia batter Steve Smith scored a hundred (131) in the 2020 tour of India. His compatriot David Warner also has a century (124).

Fast bowler Shami has seven wickets, while spinner Jadeja has five at the ground among the current players.

India will play the Netherlands at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, on November 12, 2023. (Photo: AP)

Highest individual score: 209 by Rohit Sharma against Australia

Best bowling figures in a match: 5/31 by Yuvraj Singh against Ireland

Highest ODI total: 383/6 by India against Australia in 2014

Lowest ODI total: 168 by India against Pakistan in 1999

Capacity: The stadium can fit 34,000 people. It is in the heart of the city, adjacent to the greenery of Cubbon Park. This stadium has the best drainage system in the country. The SubAir system can dry the ground within 15 minutes of heavy rain.

In and around Bengaluru: Bengaluru is the city of pubs, and one usually engages in pub hopping. And there are scenic locations amid the coffee plantations in Coorg and Chikmagalur where one can reach overnight for a quick getaway.