People often ask, Which is the smallest cricket stadium in India? And they are often shocked to hear the answer. Some of them had their picks when it came to this particular question. Despite being avid watchers of the game, they can’t comprehend that it is not Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla or Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, but the Jaipur-based Sawai Mansingh Stadium that takes the trophy. Based in the Pink City of Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) is widely recognized as one of the most important cricket stadiums in the country.
Since its founding in 1969, it has served as the home turf of Rajasthan’s domestic squad for the Ranji Trophy. In this article, we will explore this unique stadium and examine the unique records that make it what it is today.
The stadium is a major venue because of its distinctive construction and boundary dimensions. Because of the stadium’s exceptional characteristics, matches are frequently determined by spin bowlers and intelligent field placements rather than by raw power striking.
The Royals have played their home games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2008. The stadium’s name honors Sawai Man Singh II, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. Throughout the years, it has witnessed many significant occasions in the history of Indian cricket.
Dimensions and Seating Capacity
The SMS becomes the smallest cricket stadium in India in terms of ground length. Yes, the square boundaries are 72 meters long, while the straight ones are 75 meters long. Meanwhile, the midwicket boundaries are more than 75 meters long. The overall length is 137 meters, making it one of the smallest international stadiums in India.
The stadium can hold up to 30,000 spectators at any given time. The stadium’s capacity extends to the mid-wicket boundaries. Because of these dimensions, it is a difficult venue for bowlers to defend the total; however, spinners have a good chance of making the most of the tricky batting conditions on offer.
- Square Boundaries: 72 meters
- Straight Boundaries: 75 meters
- Midwicket Boundaries: 75+ meters
- Overall Ground Length: 137 meters
- Seating Capacity: 30,000 spectators
Due to the stadium’s generally sluggish pitch, which forces hitters to concentrate on location and time rather than physical force, the ground has frequently produced low-scoring thrillers despite its relatively tiny size.
Historical Significance in Indian Cricket
- First International Match: India vs. Pakistan (ODI) on October 2, 1983 – India won by four wickets.
- Only Test Match: India vs. Pakistan (February 1987) – Result: Draw
- World Cup Matches: Hosted 1987 & 1996 Cricket World Cup games.
- Champions Trophy: Held multiple matches in the 2006 edition.
- IPL Home Venue: The Rajasthan Royals’ fortress since 2008.
On October 2, 1983, Sawai Mansingh Stadium hosted its first international match, a one-day international between India and Pakistan. India emerged victorious by four wickets.
It is important to note that the location has only played host to a single test match, which took place in February 1987 between India and Pakistan and resulted in a tie. Pakistan’s President, General Zia-ul-Haq, spearheaded the ‘Cricket for Peace’ campaign, which included this match.
Pitch Characteristics at SMS Jaipur
It is well known that the surface at Sawai Mansingh Stadium is bowling-friendly, which helps quick bowlers and spinners.
The smaller boundary dimensions further enhance the bowlers’ advantage, as the batters typically aim for their shots and often get caught in the deep.
- Surface Type: Traditionally bowler-friendly, assisting pacers with swing and seam early on.
- Spin Factor: The pitch tends to slow down in the second half, making spinners highly effective.
- High Scores Are Rare: Only two 200+ totals in IPL history.
- Batters Need to Be Smart: Miscalculated big hits often lead to catches at the deep.
Instead of playing on flat tracks like the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, batters who play along the ground and concentrate on gaps tend to do better on the SMS Jaipur. This is because SMS Jaipur requires them to take calculated risks.
Unique Records At SMS Jaipur
Highest Team Total
- 217/6 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2023)
Lowest Team Total
- 59 all out – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL 2023)
Most Runs by a Single Batter
- 1,115 runs – Ajinkya Rahane (Rajasthan Royals & Chennai Super Kings)
- Matches Played: 37
- Average: 38.45
- Strike Rate: 122.39
Most Wickets by a Bowler
- 36 wickets – Siddharth Trivedi (Rajasthan Royals)
- Matches Played: 17
Biggest Win by Runs
- 112 runs – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2023)
Even though the boundaries are relatively short, the stadium has seen some of the lowest totals in the history of the Indian Premier League, demonstrating that it continues to be a bowler’s dream.
List of IPL Records in SMS Jaipur
And now we look at the overall IPL records at the stadium:
Matches | Won By Teams Batting First | Won By Teams Batting Second | NR | Tie |
57 | 20 | 37 | – | – |
Final Thoughts About Which is the Smallest Cricket Stadium in India
There is little doubt that the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is one of the most fascinating grounds in the history of Indian cricket. Legendary performances, thrilling Indian Premier League matches, and moments that made history have taken place at this venue.
Regarding hitting, time and placement are more important than physical power. On the other hand, bowlers who can take advantage of the wicket’s sluggish pace have a significant advantage. The stadium is constantly changing, and with each new Indian Premier League season, new records are set, and the game’s dynamics undergo even more significant shifts.
Because data analytics is playing an increasingly important role in cricket, teams are now conducting more in-depth research on match circumstances at SMS Jaipur. This allows them to fine-tune their strategy based on their opponents’ vulnerabilities and previous patterns.
FAQs
SMS Jaipur can accommodate 30,000 spectators.
Riyan Parag scored 573 runs for the Rajasthan Royals.
217/6 – Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2023).