The Narendra Modi Stadium, also called Motera, is situated in Ahmedabad and is the world’s largest cricket ground. Formerly known as the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, the ground was renovated and reopened with an improved capacity of 132,000 in February 2020. 

The first Test match here was played nearly four decades ago, in November 1983 against West Indies. Since then, the ground has hosted several Tests, ODIs and T20Is. 

However, here we have a look at the Test records at the Narendra Modi Stadium. 

Narendra Modi Stadium Test records and stats

Most runs

Rahul Dravid scored the most runs in Tests at the Narendra Modi Stadium. He played seven Tests at this venue and scored 771 runs at an average of 59.30. His tally includes three centuries, one of which was a double ton against New Zealand in 2003. 

Most wickets

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble holds the record for the most wickets taken at this stadium. He scalped 36 wickets in the seven matches he played here at an average of 26.77. He picked up three five-fors, which includes one ten-wicket haul in a match. 

Average 1st innings score

The average first innings score for the teams batting first and second in a Test is nearly similar. Teams batting first have averaged 338, while teams batting second (out of four innings) have averaged 337. 

Highest individual score

Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the highest individual score in India in the longest format, which he scored at the Narendra Modi Stadium. His 275 off 435 balls in the 2009 series is also the highest individual score on this ground. The match he made these runs in finished in a draw.

Best bowling figures

Kapil Dev is the only bowler to take nine wickets in an inning on this ground. His spell of 9/83 against West Indies in the first-ever Test played at the Motera, is the best bowling performance in an innings. Unfortunately for him, India lost the game.

Axar Patel returned with figures of 11/70 against England in February 2021, which remains the best bowling performance in a match. India won the contest by 10 wickets.

Highest team total

Sri Lanka smashed the highest team total at the Narendra Modi Stadium. During the 2009 Test against India, they amassed 760/7 (declared) in the first innings in response to India’s 426 batting first. However, centuries in the second innings from Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar saw the match finish in a draw. 

Lowest team total

Courtesy of a Dale Steyn five-fer (5/23 in eight overs), India were bowled out for 76 in 20 overs in the second Test against South Africa in 2008. The Proteas produced a result of a lifetime and won the Test by an innings and 90 runs.

Highest partnership  

The duo of Mahela Jayawardene and Prasanna Jayawardene added 351 runs for the sixth wicket, which is the best partnership at this venue. This incredible stand ended with Amit Mishra dismissing Mahela Jayawardene for 275.

 

Photo credits: Alamy