Arun Jaitley Stadium earns 300 tag, reflects an enduring legacy in Indian cricket

Don’t mind the pollution, please — Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium has nothing to do with it. The iconic venue continues to stand tall as a symbol of the city’s deep cricketing heritage. Recently, it earned a special distinction by becoming only the second ground in India — after Kolkata’s Eden Gardens — to host over 300 first-class matches, a milestone that reflects its storied past and enduring importance in Indian cricket.

It turned out to be a celebration of sorts at the Kotla on Sunday, with the newly appointed BCCI president, Mithun Manhas, visiting the venue for the first time after taking charge. His presence added a special touch to the occasion, marking a new chapter for Delhi cricket. DDCA president Rohan Jaitley, ever the gracious host, ensured the event was conducted with warmth and a sense of pride befitting the landmark achievement.

Even BCCI’s General Manager, Abey Kuruvilla, was in attendance, along with Central Zone selector RP Singh — both in a cheerful mood, soaking in the atmosphere and India’s recent success on the global stage. The air was filled with quiet pride and satisfaction, reflecting a golden phase for Indian cricket.

From the men’s team clinching the T20 World Cup in the West Indies, to the Champions Trophy triumph, and the women’s team lifting the World Cup — it’s been a remarkable run of victories. The results are a testament to the strong system, consistent planning, and collective effort that have translated so visibly on the field.

Even on the field, Manhas holds a special place in Delhi’s cricketing history — he has the most appearances as a domestic player and has scored the most runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The rapport between Manhas and this iconic venue is unmistakable. It was evident in the way every member of the DDCA warmly embraced and congratulated him on his achievement. After all, Manhas (originally from Jammu) has played most of his cricket here in Delhi, making the Arun Jaitley Stadium almost a second home.

Whether Delhi is ahead or trailing in the ongoing match against Jammu and Kashmir, representing the National Capital team is, in itself, a matter of immense pride. For any cricketer, wearing the Delhi cap carries a sense of prestige and responsibility — a legacy built over decades by some of India’s finest players.

As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day — and Delhi cricket too is in the process of steady rebuilding. With a renewed focus on youth, the team is taking confident strides forward, guided by promising talents like Ayush Badoni, Sanat Sangwan and many more. The emphasis now is on creating a nurturing ecosystem — one that grooms skill, temperament, and character — to make Delhi once again a powerhouse of Indian domestic cricket.