The Rajiv Gandhi stadium will come into focus yet again with the India-Bangladesh one-off Test match, beginning Thursday.
However, this time around, the occasion is pretty special, given that the venue is hosting a historical affair – the Tigers' maiden Test on Indian soil. If one were to take a stroll around the city, he or she will find out that not many dwellers in the city are aware of the five-dayer but as far as HCA is concerned, it can barely contain their excitement. Renovation work was at its peak yesterday while the main ground was all ready to welcome the country’s favourite sport once again.
The wicket at RGIS is known for turning wickets more often than not. This time however, things will be tricky for the curator here as the visitors are also known for quality bowling attack. So, it will be a mystery until the game begins to see what kind of a wicket the venue prepares.
Established in 2004 in the eastern part of Hyderabad, RGICS has a capacity 65,000 and has hosted three Tests till date. The maiden Test, in 2010, between India and New Zealand was marked with Brendon McCullum’s 225-run knock. The game ended in a draw. In the second and third game, played against the Kiwis yet again in 2012 and against Australia in 2013 respectively, India registered comprehensive victories.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
