Top 5 Indian cricket stadiums with the best grandstands

The grandstand at the Kotla can be intimidating for opposition teams

In a stadium, the grandstand is the most special section of the seating area for spectators and offers an unmatched view of the proceedings on the field of play. A grandstand generally looks slightly different compared to the rest of the stadium in terms of design and structure.

Nearly all international cricket stadiums around the world have a grandstand and in many cases, it has become the identity of that particular venue. However, it is not necessary that the most popular grounds in a country will always possess the best ones.

India is home to some of the finest stadiums in cricket and many of them have grandstands which can be highly pleasing to the eye. While the ones in the country’s iconic venues are quite incredible, a few of the newer stadiums have grandstands which look even better.

Here are our top 5 Indian cricket stadiums with the best grandstands:

#5 Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Delhi

Over the years, the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi has been a fortress for the Indian team, particularly in Tests, and its beautifully designed grandstand also makes it look like one. This highly attractive portion of the ground is located towards its southern end which is known as the ‘Pavilion End’.

The appearance of the grandstand at the Kotla has a certain degree of uniqueness to it which sets it apart from all other stadiums in India. While this part of the stadium offers a great deal of encouragement to the home team when fully occupied, it can prove to be an unnerving sight for the opponent team.

It is a pity, though, that despite its remarkable look, one of India’s oldest stadiums is often brought to shame due to poor pitch conditions as well as administrative turmoil.

#4 Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

The grandstand at the MCA Stadium in Pune has an ultra-modern look

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune is one of the newest cricket stadiums in India and also among the best in terms of looks. The venue is equipped with all sorts of modern amenities which put it on par with the finest in the cricketing globe.

The most spectacular portion of the MCA Stadium, for obvious reasons, is its grandstand which is placed right behind the sight screen on the Pavilion End. The structure is at an elevated level compared to the rest of the seating area and is serenaded by two sleek light towers on either side.

The grandstand of the MCA Stadium is at its best in terms of visual splendour when the lights take full effect during day-night games, a proof of which we saw a lot during the 2016 season of the IPL.

#3 Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

The PCA Stadium in Mohali has one of the prettiest grandstands

The Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali has taken just a little over 2 decades to establish itself as one of the primary international cricket venues in India. The ground is as popular for its appearance as it is for its highly competitive playing conditions.

While the PCA Stadium looks beautiful overall, its face value is only upped by the magnificent grandstand which adorns the Pavillion End of the venue. It is a concrete structure which houses an AC lounge, corporate boxes and a pavilion terrace where fans can sit and enjoy the game.

In the past few years, the stadium has hosted some big games including the Indo-Pak semi-final of the 2011 World Cup and those seated in its gorgeous grandstand have had the best view of the happenings on the field.

#2 Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The Wankhede Stadium’s grandstand gives it a colosseum-like feel

The iconic status of the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was only enhanced back in 2011 when the Indian team won their 2nd World Cup title at the venue. Apart from the cricket played at the ground, though, the majestic grandstand which is located towards the Garware Pavilion End has also added to its popularity.

The design of the grandstand is unique compared to other Indian stadiums and gives spectators a bird’s-eye view of the proceedings in the centre. When it is jam packed like it was during the 2011 World Cup final, this stunning portion of the stadium gives it the feel of an ancient colosseum.

Unlike some of the other grounds in the country, the Wankhede Stadium’s grandstand can house a large number of people due to its bigger size and this only adds to its grandeur.

#1 Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala

Nothing beats the grandstand at the HPCA Stadium in terms of looks

With a seating capacity of 26,000, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala is certainly not among the largest stadiums in India. However, the picturesque setting coupled with an elegant design makes it one of the best venues to play international cricket.

The most striking feature of the ground apart from its beautiful surroundings is the grandstand which lies behind the sight screen towards its southern end. At the centre of the grandstand is a structure identical to a Tibetan monastery which houses a club lounge, a VVIP box and the pavilion terrace.

The backdrop of the Himalayas only adds to the elegance of this most attractive portion of the HPCA stadium. The manner in which the grandstand adds value to the venue’s overall look makes it the best one in the country.

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Edited by Staff Editor