Kumble and Dravid ends: Chinnaswamy Stadium immortalises legends on golden jubilee | WATCH
The Karnataka State Cricket Association has renamed key sections of Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after cricket icons Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid, marking the venue's golden jubilee as a Test cricket destination. The Pavilion End will now be known as the Anil Kumble End, while the Northern End has been rechristened the Rahul Dravid End.
The ceremony, held on February 13 as part of celebrations marking 50 years of Test cricket at the stadium, also honoured former India women's captain Shantha Rangaswamy with a stand in her name. Rangaswamy became the first Indian woman to score a Test century when she made 108 against New Zealand at Dunedin in 1977.
Karnataka's Cricketing Greats Immortalised
Kumble, India's highest wicket-taker in both Tests and One Day Internationals with 619 and 337 wickets respectively, reflected on the tribute in a media release. "I don't think it would be out of turn to state that all our contributions have made Karnataka cricket what it is, just as Karnataka cricket is what has made all of us," Kumble said.
"It's not really about whose name is on which stand. It's truly special that all the contributions have been recognised and are now permanently etched in the stadium," he added.
Dravid, whose 13,288 Test runs place him second only to Sachin Tendulkar among Indian batters, was similarly honoured. The former India captain, known as "The Wall" for his defensive prowess, played 164 Tests across a career spanning from 1996 to 2012.
KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad described the renaming as both tribute and responsibility. "This is a moment of immense pride and nostalgia. Our M. Chinnaswamy Stadium continues to stand as a symbol of Karnataka's contribution to Indian and international cricket," Prasad said.
Recognition for Women's Cricket Pioneer
Rangaswamy's stand dedication marks a reversal from earlier plans announced in November 2024, which had drawn criticism for excluding her despite her pioneering role in Indian women's cricket. The 72-year-old captained India in 16 of her 19 ODIs and led the national team to its first-ever Test victory against the West Indies in 1976.
The KSCA also announced that a gratis scheme for retired women cricketers will be introduced from April 1, 2026, signalling broader institutional recognition of women's cricket.
The golden jubilee celebrations come as the stadium prepares to host Indian Premier League and international matches again in 2026, following an eight-month hiatus. Karnataka's cabinet approved the return of elite cricket to the venue on February 12, with the IPL season opener potentially scheduled for Bengaluru.