The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, commonly known as the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, is a premier cricketing venue located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Established in 2003, the stadium has rapidly ascended in prominence, hosting a multitude of international and domestic cricket matches, including Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and Indian Premier League (IPL) fixtures.
Location and Accessibility
Situated in Pothinamallayya Palem, Visakhapatnam, the stadium is nestled amidst scenic hills and is in close proximity to the Bay of Bengal, offering a picturesque setting for cricketing events. The venue is approximately 10 kilometers from the city center, making it easily accessible via various modes of transportation, including buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Landmarks such as Kailasagiri Hill Park and Rushikonda Beach are nearby, providing additional attractions for visitors.
Capacity and Facilities
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium boasts a seating capacity of approximately 27,000 spectators. It is equipped with modern amenities, including well-designed stands, food courts, ample parking facilities, and state-of-the-art player facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both players and fans.
Pitch Characteristics
The pitch at the ACA-VDCA Stadium is renowned for offering a balanced contest between bat and ball. In the early stages of a match, batsmen often find the surface conducive to stroke play, while as the game progresses, spinners tend to extract more assistance, making the middle and latter stages of matches particularly intriguing. Weather conditions, such as humidity, can also influence pitch behavior, adding an extra layer of complexity to the game.
Notable Matches and Records
Since its inauguration, the stadium has been the venue for several historic cricketing moments:
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MS Dhoni's Maiden Century: In 2005, during an ODI against Pakistan, a young MS Dhoni announced his arrival on the international stage with a blistering 148 runs off 123 balls.
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Virat Kohli's Milestone: In 2018, Virat Kohli became the fastest player to reach 10,000 ODI runs during a match against the West Indies at this venue.
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Kuldeep Yadav's Hat-trick: In 2019, Kuldeep Yadav became the first Indian bowler to claim two ODI hat-tricks, achieving this feat against the West Indies.
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Rohit Sharma's Twin Centuries: In 2019, Rohit Sharma scored centuries in both innings of his debut Test as an opener against South Africa at this stadium.
IPL and Domestic Cricket
The ACA-VDCA Stadium has served as a home ground for IPL franchises such as the Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad. It regularly hosts domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, contributing significantly to the development of cricket in the region.
Future Prospects
With its modern infrastructure and a track record of hosting successful events, the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium is poised to continue being a favored venue for high-profile cricket matches. Its contribution to Indian cricket, both at the domestic and international levels, underscores its importance as a cricketing hub in the country.
In conclusion, the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium stands as a testament to Visakhapatnam's passion for cricket and its commitment to providing world-class facilities for the sport. Its rich history, coupled with its modern amenities, ensures its place as one of India's premier cricketing destinations.