The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the world’s largest cricket venue. It hosts major international matches, IPL games, and important knockout fixtures. For players, fantasy sports participants, and fans, the pitch report is one of the most searched topics before any match at this ground.
This guide details the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch. It includes its behaviour, average scores, toss trends, boundary sizes, and how weather conditions affect play.
Narendra Modi Stadium Overview
The Narendra Modi Stadium is an international cricket facility located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is managed by the Gujarat Cricket Association and regularly hosts domestic and global cricket events. The stadium was rebuilt and inaugurated in 2020, replacing the older Sardar Patel Stadium on the same site. Since its reopening, it has become a preferred venue for major tournaments. The 2023 ODI World Cup final and the 2026 T20 World Cup final were both played here.
Narendra Modi Stadium Location
The stadium sits in the Motera area of Ahmedabad, alongside the Sabarmati River. It is part of the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave. The venue has good road connectivity and its own metro station, making it easy for spectators to reach. With four entry points and 21 gates, the stadium manages large crowds efficiently.
Stadium Capacity & Seating
Seating Capacity
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 132,000 spectators |
| Global Rank | Largest cricket stadium in the world |
| Tier Structure | Two equal tiers, each holding over 65,000 people |
| Corporate Boxes | 76 boxes, each seating 25 individuals |
| Clubhouse | 55-room facility |
| Entry Gates | 21 gates |
Seating Arrangement
- GMDC Upper and Lower Stands – Two-tiered sections offering good views of the entire playing area.
- East Upper and Lower Pavilions – Two-tiered pavilions on the eastern side of the ground.
- Adani Lower and Upper Pavilions – Feature over 20 air-conditioned corporate boxes and player dressing rooms.
- Club Pavilion and West Pavilion – The only single-tier stands in the stadium.
The stadium covers 63 acres and has a two-tier structure. Each spectator stand has its own food court and hospitality area. The complex also includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, four dressing rooms, and a cricket academy with practice pitches.
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report 2026
Pitch Nature
The surface offers consistent and true bounce, which supports confident stroke play. It is generally balanced, providing a fair contest between bat and ball. Different soil types are used for pitch preparation. Red soil adds extra pace and true bounce. Black soil slows things down and gives more grip for spinners. Fast bowlers often find some movement in the early overs, especially during the Powerplay. Spinners can also extract turn, particularly on drier or slower surfaces.
Current Pitch Conditions
During the 2026 season, the surface has encouraged a balanced contest. In seven IPL games held here, the 200-run mark was crossed only twice. This suggests the wicket is not overly batter-friendly. Pace bowlers have been particularly effective, claiming 77 wickets at an average of 22.84 across those matches. The good-length delivery has been the most productive, accounting for 38 wickets at an economy rate of 7.86. Spinners have been used less frequently, managing only 22 wickets during the same period.
Is Narendra Modi Stadium Batting or Bowling Friendly?
The pitch is generally balanced, but the advantage shifts depending on the format and match conditions. In T20 cricket, the stadium is considered a strong batting venue because of the true bounce and manageable boundary sizes. In Test matches, the pitch tends to slow down and can offer significant turn to spinners as the game progresses.
Batting-Friendly Conditions
- The consistent bounce allows batters to play their shots with confidence and timing.
- Boundary lengths are relatively short, especially the square of the wicket, making six-hitting easier.
- The Powerplay overs offer a scoring opportunity with only two fielders allowed outside the ring.
- The surface generally stays flat in white-ball cricket, providing minimal help to bowlers.
- Dew during evening games makes the ball slick, giving an edge to batters in the second innings.
Pace vs Spin Performance
| Bowler Category | Performance Summary | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Bowlers | Very effective | Get early swing and seam movement. Length bowling produced 38 wickets at 7.86 per over in 2026 |
| Spinners | Limited impact | Only 22 wickets in seven IPL 2026 matches. Struggle for grip and turn in white-ball games |
During the 2026 T20 World Cup, the pitch assisted both batters and quick bowlers. Pacers like Marco Jansen, Jasprit Bumrah, and Lungi Ngidi all found success here. Spinners have generally found it harder to grip the ball at this venue in white-ball cricket.
Average Scores at Narendra Modi Stadium
Test Average Score
| Innings | Typical Score |
|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 347–370 |
| 2nd Innings | Around 353 |
| 3rd Innings | Roughly 232 |
| 4th Innings | Approximately 147 |
In Test matches, the wicket is favorable for batting in the early stages. As the game progresses, the surface deteriorates and spinners come into play more prominently.
ODI Average Score
| Category | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Typical 1st Innings | 250–280 |
| Typical 2nd Innings | Around 210 |
ODI matches at this venue often see competitive totals. Batsmen generally enjoy the conditions, though bowlers can find wickets during the middle phase of the innings.
T20 Average Score
| Category | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Typical 1st Innings | 182–188 |
| Typical 2nd Innings | Around 164 |
In T20 Internationals, the pitch is well-suited for aggressive batting. Teams frequently post scores over 200, and run-scoring is usually fluent throughout the innings.
IPL Average Score
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical 1st Innings | 160–186 |
| Highest Total | 243/5 – Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans, 2025 |
| Lowest Total | 86 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans, 2026 |
IPL games at this ground are typically high-scoring affairs. A first-innings total of 170 or more is generally seen as a competitive target.
Narendra Modi Stadium Toss Report
Toss Trend
| Format | Matches | Chose to Bat | Chose to Field | Toss Winner Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| Test | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
The team winning the toss has gone on to win about 42.9% of all matches at this ground. In the last ten ODIs, the side that lost the toss actually won six times. This shows that the toss is not always the deciding factor.
Bat First or Bowl First
- In T20 matches, captains almost always choose to field first because of the heavy dew that settles in during the evening. In all five T20 games at this venue, the toss winner opted to chase.
- In Test cricket, the preference is to bat first. Both Test matches at the new stadium saw the toss winner choosing to bat.
- In IPL history, the record is nearly split – teams batting first have won 24 games, while those chasing have won 25.
- Dew is the main reason why chasing becomes the preferred option in night matches.
Narendra Modi Stadium Boundary Dimensions
| Boundary Type | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Straight Boundaries | 75–82 meters |
| Square Boundaries | 60–73 meters |
| Playing Field Size | 180 yards by 150 yards |
| Total Land Area | 63 acres |
The shorter square boundaries allow batters to clear the ropes more easily. However, the large playing area means that running between the wickets remains an important part of scoring.
Weather Impact on the Pitch
- Rising temperatures cause the pitch to dry out, which can increase turn for spinners later in the game.
- Dew is a major factor during evening matches, particularly in winter and early summer. It makes the ball slippery and hard to control.
- Humidity can help fast bowlers by providing some swing in the air.
- Rain is uncommon during the cricket season in Ahmedabad. When it does occur, it can slow the pitch and assist spin bowling.
Pitch Behavior by Match Format
Test Matches
- The first two days are generally good for batting with reliable bounce.
- From day three onward, cracks appear and the surface becomes more challenging.
- Spinners become the primary threat in the second half of the game.
- Chasing in the fourth innings is tough, with an average score of only about 147.
ODI Matches
- Conditions are balanced, giving opportunities to both batters and bowlers.
- Fast bowlers get some help with the new ball in the early overs.
- Spinners come into play during the middle overs.
- Chasing can be tricky, particularly in day matches without dew.
T20 & IPL Matches
- The pitch is largely batter-friendly with consistent bounce.
- Quick bowlers can exploit early movement in the Powerplay.
- Dew makes chasing much easier in night games.
- Shorter boundaries encourage aggressive stroke play.
Recent Pitch Analysis
Recent Match Trends
The 2026 season has seen the Ahmedabad pitch offer a more even contest compared to some other grounds. Across seven IPL fixtures, a score of 200 was reached only twice. This shows that the surface is not excessively batting-friendly. Pacers have dominated the wicket-taking charts, claiming 77 wickets, while spinners have taken just 22. Teams have also been able to defend modest totals – Gujarat Titans successfully defended 168 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Scoring Pattern
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| IPL 2026 Games Played | 7 matches |
| Wins Batting First | 4 games |
| Wins Bowling First | 3 games |
| Highest First Innings | 229/4 – GT vs CSK |
| Average First Innings | 186 |
| Highest Successful Chase | 181/5 – GT vs KKR |
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Conclusion
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium offers a balanced contest that changes according to the format. In T20s, it often favors batters, especially at night when dew assists the chasing side. In Test cricket, the surface evolves into a spinner-friendly track over time. The 2026 season has highlighted the effectiveness of fast bowlers, who have been the primary wicket-takers. The wicket in Ahmedabad always delivers exciting and competitive cricket, whether it’s an IPL thriller or a Test match.
FAQs
Does the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch favor batters or bowlers?
The pitch is generally balanced. In T20s, it leans toward batters, while in Test matches, it can become increasingly helpful for spinners.
What is the usual IPL first-innings score at this ground?
The average first-innings total in IPL games is roughly between 160 and 186 runs.
How does dew affect matches at this stadium?
Dew is a major factor in night games. It makes the ball wet and slippery, which makes bowling difficult and gives an advantage to the team batting second.
How many people can the Narendra Modi Stadium accommodate?
The stadium can hold 132,000 spectators, making it the largest cricket venue in the world.
How long are the boundaries at this venue?
Straight boundaries measure 75–82 meters, while square boundaries are about 60–73 meters.
