One of the biggest sporting centres, Kolkata's Eden Gardens holds a special place of interest in the history of Indian cricket. As the venue prepares to host several upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 matches, we look at all the Eden Gardens records ahead of this tournament, breaking down the most runs scored, most wickets, and many more statistics.
Eden Gardens is the oldest and second-largest cricket stadium in India, often referred to as the home of Indian cricket or the “Mecca of Indian cricket”, due to it being the first purpose-built ground for the sport. Built during the British era, the stadium could previously house more than 100,000 spectators. However, its capacity has now been whittled to a little more than 66,000 after the stadium underwent renovation before the 2011 World Cup.
The facility has hosted matches in major international competitions including the World Cup, World T20, and Asia Cup. In 1987, Eden Gardens became the second stadium to host a World Cup final. Fast forward to 2016, it hosted the blockbuster ICC World T20 final between West Indies and England which turned out to be a closely fought encounter.
Read also: How to get Cricket World Cup tickets in Kolkata
Contents
- 1 Most recent match at Eden Gardens
- 2 Eden Gardens records
- 3 Understanding Eden Gardens
- 4 Eden Gardens and the 2023 ODI World Cup
- 5 Eden Gardens IPL records, stats and highest totals
- 6 Reputation of Eden Gardens Stadium in IPL
- 7 Eden Gardens IPL records
- 7.1 Highest totals at Eden Gardens in the IPL
- 7.2 Highest run chase in Eden Gardens in IPL
- 7.3 Lowest totals at Eden Gardens in the IPL
- 7.4 Top run scorers at Eden Gardens in the IPL
- 7.5 Top wicket takers at Eden Gardens in the IPL
- 7.6 Top individual score at Eden Gardens in the IPL
- 7.7 Best bowling figures at Eden Gardens in the IPL
Most recent match at Eden Gardens
Before we look at some of the top Eden Gardens records, let’s find out what happened the last time two sides clashed at this venue.
During the 68th game of IPL 2023 on May 20, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosted Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in what turned out to be a massive run fest. Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni played quickfire innings to propel LSG to a powerful first-innings score of 176/8.
- Most runs: Rinku Singh, 67 (33)
- Most wickets: Ravi Bishnoi, 2/23
The home side started off their chase with a bang with Jason Roy racing to his 45 in just 28 balls. But following his dismissal, KKR lost a few more wickets in quick succession which allowed the momentum to shift in LSG’s favour. But Rink Singh put on a herculean show with the bat scoring 67 (33) which eventually got KKR very close but not beyond the finishing line.
#Pooran, Bishnoi seal Lucknow Super Giants' playoffs spot with thrilling one-run win #
— IndianPremierLeague (@CricketT20IPL) May 20, 2023
Lucknow Super Giants 176 for 8 (Pooran 58, Shardul Thakur 2-27, Narine 2-28) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 175 for 7 (Rinku 67*, Roy 45,… – https://t.co/TQy8imELyh
Eden Gardens records
The Eden Gardens Stadium has witnessed the inception of a number of ground-breaking records over many decades that belong to some very prestigious sports personalities. Some of the more remarkable Eden Gardens records are as follows:
- Anil Kumble’s 6/12 against the West Indies in 1993 remains the most destructive spell in ODI cricket by any bowler at Eden Gardens to date
- Rajat Patidar has the highest individual score of 112 (54) by any batter in the history of IPL at this venue
- VVS Laxman’s epic knock of 281 against Australia in March 2001 has remained the highest individual score by a batsman at the Eden Gardens
Here’s a detailed look at some of specific Eden Gardens records, based on T20, ODI, and Test performances.
ODI records at Eden Gardens
The Eden Gardens has hosted some electrifying ODI matches for nearly half a century. The stadium only started to host matches at full capacity from the 1980s onwards. Rohit Sharma's belligerent ODI world record, a 173-ball 264, against Sri Lanka, in Nov 2014, also came on this famous ground. Here’s a snapshot of all the most important ODI records of the Eden Gardens Stadium:
| Total matches | 35 |
| Matches won batting first | 20 |
| Matches won bowling first | 14 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 241 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 203 |
| Highest total recorded | 404/5 (50 Ov) by IND vs SL |
| Lowest total recorded | 63/10 (39.3 Ov) by INDW vs ENGW |
| Highest score chased | 317/3 (48.1 Ov) by IND vs SL |
| Lowest score defended | 195/10 (50 Ov) by IND vs RSA |
Considering a modest average first innings total of 241, more often than not, the crowd gets to see an even contest between the bat and the ball.
T20I records at the Eden Gardens
The Eden Gardens has hosted a number of T20I matches in parallel with the IPL games. It also hosted the 2016 T20 World Cup final which West Indies won handsomely. Here’s a rundown of all the most important Eden Gardens records in T20Is:
| Total matches | 12 |
| Matches won batting first | 5 |
| Matches won bowling first | 7 |
| Average 1st innings score | 155 |
| Average 2nd innings score | 137 |
| Highest total recorded | 201/5 (20 Ov) by PAK vs BAN |
| Lowest total recorded | 70/10 (15.4 Ov) by BAN vs NZ |
| Highest score chased | 162/4 (18.5 Ov) by IND vs WI |
| Lowest score defended | 186/5 (20 Ov) by IND vs WI |
From the above-mentioned figures, it is quite obvious that teams have been successful in chasing totals as the surface gets better to bat on during the second innings. The arrival of dew also allows batsmen to score more freely during the second innings.
Test match records at the Eden Gardens
This venue has hosted some historic test matches over the years, most notably between India and Australia in 2001 which saw a resilient 376-run stand between Dravid and Laxman that led India to a famous victory. Here’s a rundown of all the most important Eden Gardens Stadium test records:
| Total matches | 42 |
| Matches won batting first | 12 |
| Matches won bowling first | 10 |
| Average 1st innings score | 323 |
| Average 2nd innings score | 314 |
| Average 3rd innings score | 255 |
| Average 4th innings score | 143 |
| Highest total recorded | 657/7 (178 Ov) by IND vs AUS |
| Lowest total recorded | 90/10 (30 Ov) by IND vs WI |
Looking at these Eden Gardens records, teams have had a slight advantage of batting first on this track. Chasing becomes a very tricky task as the test match progresses to final days at this venue.
Understanding Eden Gardens
Now that we are done reviewing key statistics for the Eden Gardens Stadium, dissect the pitch and the ground conditions in more detail.
Pitch and ground conditions
The Eden Gardens pitch is generally a very batting-friendly wicket in T20 cricket. The surface is generally flat and the bounce is true which makes it very conducive to stroke play. Batters generally have the advantage on the Eden Gardens pitch. In limited-overs cricket and in the winter season, dew shows its effect, so the team that wins the toss prefers to bowl first.
With respect to the longer format of the game, Eden Gardens Stadium is known for its batting-friendly pitches, which help batters score high runs. But in recent matches, spinners have also succeeded in getting some assistance from the surface. Moreover, in some test matches, the curators leave a bit of grass cover on the pitch which helps the quicks extract tremendous swing in the first innings.
Typical weather conditions
The climate in Kolkata is mostly humid while the temperatures remain high throughout the year. This sultry weather makes the soil very sticky and conducive for seam bowling. However, when night falls, the dew poses a significant challenge to the team bowling second in a day/night ODI or T20I match.
The city of Kolkata is situated next to the Bay of Bengal and faces the risk of coastal cyclone threats and heavy rainfall. When the monsoon season takes center stage during early July, it becomes impossible for play to carry on, while gloomy weather also makes it hard for the ball to get sighted properly.
Eden Gardens probably the only Indian cricket ground which gets covered fully during rain. pic.twitter.com/ON5THO0G23
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 29, 2023
Ground dimensions
The Eden Gardens is known for its shorter boundary dimensions. Here’s a look at the average dimensions that are subject to change:
- Straight boundaries: Approximately 76-78 meters
- Square boundaries: Approximately 66-69 meters
- Cover region: Varies, offering a substantial playing area for fielders and opportunities for strategic placements by batsmen
- Fine leg: Varies, offering a substantial playing area for fielders and opportunities for strategic placements by batsmen
- Third man: Varies, offering additional dimensions for fielding and bowling tactics
Going by the above-mentioned boundary dimensions of Eden Gardens, there is no way one can classify this ground as small ground. In fact, Eden Gardens is one of the biggest cricketing grounds in India and batters will need to manufacture some big hits on a venue like this if they are to threaten the Eden Gardens record books.
VIDEO | A team of ICC delegates arrived at Eden Gardens in Kolkata for an inspection ahead of the World Cup 2023. pic.twitter.com/WXZ6Y4CWHK
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2023
Eden Gardens and the 2023 ODI World Cup
The Eden Gardens Stadium has hosted several do-or-die knockout matches since the 1987 World Cup edition. It is now poised to host the second semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup on November 16th. In addition, the venue will host four league games from October 28 to November 11. Teams that will be in action are the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, South Africa, and England. No doubt, some Eden Gardens records will fall over the coming months.
Read also: How to watch the Cricket World Cup
Eden Gardens IPL records, stats and highest totals
As one of the world's most iconic stadiums, it's no surprise that there are plenty of Eden Gardens IPL records.
Known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate fans, Eden Gardens has a seating capacity of over 66,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in India. Located in Kolkata, India, Eden Gardens is home to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It has hosted numerous memorable matches, including the 2012 and 2014 IPL finals, as well as the World T20 final in 2016.
With Eden Gardens having witnessed some remarkable performances and breathtaking matches throughout the history of the IPL, let's take a closer look at the Eden Gardens IPL records.
If you're eager to know all about the latest Kolkata stadium IPL records, including the highest run chase in Eden Gardens in IPL, and the Eden Gardens last IPL match scorecard, then read on.
Reputation of Eden Gardens Stadium in IPL
With a rich history dating back to 1864, Eden Gardens has established itself as a cricketing mecca in India.
The toss plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a cricket match, and Eden Gardens has seen interesting trends when it comes to teams' decision to bat or bowl first. The decision to bat or bowl first often depends on the conditions, the pitch, and the strengths of the teams.
In the IPL, teams have generally preferred to field first after winning the toss at Eden Gardens. Out of the total 85 IPL matches played at this venue, 34 matches were won by teams batting first, while 51 matches were won by teams batting second. The remaining matches ended in a tie or no result due to rain or other factors.
Eden Gardens IPL records
Highest totals at Eden Gardens in the IPL
Eden Gardens has witnessed some colossal IPL records posted by teams during the IPL. Here are the top five highest team totals at this venue:
| Team | Total | Opposition | Year |
| KKR | 232 | MI | 2019 |
| KKR | 218 | KXIP | 2019 |
| RCB | 213 | KKR | 2019 |
| MI | 210 | KKR | 2018 |
| RCB | 207 | LSG | 2022 |
The highest total at Eden Gardens was posted by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019 when they scored a mammoth 232 runs against Mumbai Indians. This remains the highest team total in the history of the IPL at this venue, and is an Eden Gardens IPL record.
Highest run chase in Eden Gardens in IPL
Despite plenty of 200+ totals at Edens Gardens in the IPL, never has there been a successful run chase in excess of 200 at the ground.
The highest run chase in Eden Gardens in IPL is 188/6 by the Gujarat Lions, back in 2017 against home team KKR.
Lowest totals at Eden Gardens in the IPL
While Eden Gardens has seen some high-scoring matches, it has also witnessed some low-scoring encounters. Here are the top five lowest team totals at this venue:
| Team | Total | Opposition | Year |
| RCB | 49 | KKR | 2017 |
| RR | 81 | KKR | 2011 |
| DD | 98 | KKR | 2016 |
| KKR | 108 | MI | 2018 |
| KKR | 109 | CSK | 2010 |
Note – Several rain-affected IPL matches have been removed from the list of record low totals at Eden Gardens.
Royal Challengers Bangalore holds the dubious IPL record for the lowest team total at Eden Gardens, managing to score only 49 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017, which is also the lowest team total in the history of the IPL.
Top run scorers at Eden Gardens in the IPL
When it comes to Eden Gardens IPL records, several legendary batsmen have left their mark at Eden Gardens with their scores in the IPL. Here are the top five run scorers at Eden Gardens:
| Batsman | Total Runs |
| Gautam Gambhir | 1407 |
| Robin Uthappa | 1159 |
| Yusuf Pathan | 861 |
| Andre Russell | 699 |
| Dinesh Karthik | 630 |
Top wicket takers at Eden Gardens in the IPL
Bowlers have also made their mark in the Eden Gardens IPL records, with some impressive performances over the years. Here are the top five wicket takers at this venue:
| Bowler | Total Wickets |
| Sunil Narine | 58 |
| Piush Chawla | 41 |
| Andre Russell | 27 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 21 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 21 |
Sunil Narine, the spin wizard from West Indies, leads the list of top wicket takers at Eden Gardens with 58 wickets for Kolkata Knight Riders. He has been a key player for KKR over the years, known for his economical spells and crucial breakthroughs.
Top individual score at Eden Gardens in the IPL
The IPL has witnessed some scintillating individual batting performances at Eden Gardens, with players setting new records with their dazzling innings. The top individual score at this venue is:
| Batsman (Team) | Score (balls) | Opposition | Year |
| RM Patidar (RCB) | 112 (54) | LSG | 2022 |
| DPMD Jayawardene (KXIP) | 110 (59) | KKR | 2010 |
| RG Sharma (MI) | 109 (60) | KKR | 2012 |
| CH Gayle (RCB) | 102 (55) | KKR | 2011 |
| V Kohli (RCB) | 100 (58) | KKR | 2018 |
Best bowling figures at Eden Gardens in the IPL
Bowlers have also had their moments of glory at Eden Gardens, with some impressive bowling performances etching their names in the record books. The best bowling figures at this venue are:
| Bowler (Team) | Figures | Opposition | Year |
| SP Narine (KKR) | 5 for 19 | KXIP | 2012 |
| Shoaib Akhtar (KKR) | 4 for 11 | DD | 2008 |
| SP Narine (KKR) | 4 for 13 | DD | 2013 |
| CV Varun (KKR) | 4 for 15 | RCB | 2023 |
| SP Narine (KKR) | 4 for 19 | KXIP | 2015 |
| AD Mathews (KKR) | 4 for 19 | RCB | 2010 |
Sunil Narine's remarkable spell of 5/19 for Kolkata Knight Riders against Kings XI Punjab in the year 2012 remains the best bowling figures at Eden Gardens till date. Sunil's exceptional performance helped him etch his name in the IPL records and is still.
Will we see any further Eden Gardens IPL records fall in 2023? KKR will be hoping so, as long as they're on the right side of them.
