M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has reached a new milestone in half a century–having hosted its first international cricket match over 50 years ago in 1974. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) celebrated the golden jubilee by honouring three icons of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Shantha Rangaswamy, during which the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) awarded the name of the Indian cricket legend together with its name in tribute to Rahul Dravid as well as Anil Kumble and Shantha Rangaswamy. In a special honouring of these legends, stands were dedicated to the legends under the KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad and would be inscribed in a ceremony as a homage to the legends in their memory.
Rahul Dravid, dubbed “The Wall,” has been one of India’s most reliable batsmen. Chinnaswamy has placed him second for runs scored by the Indian players thus making the ground a significant part of his season. Reflecting on his life when he was a young fan, Dravid remembered that he sat in the stands where he dreamed of playing for India. His story made a full circle once he rose again and made his appearance before thousands, made immortal in the stadium itself.
India’s highest wicket‑taker in Tests and ODIs, Kumble, earned the honour of having his stand named in honor of him as well. With 619 Test wickets, he is one of the greatest spinners in cricket history. Kumble described his early days of watching matches at Chinnaswamy and how that place influenced his career. His support is particularly strong among Bengaluru fans who had not failed to see a lot of the legendary performance in this arena.
KSCA also celebrated Shantha Rangaswamy, former cricket captain for Indian women who founded Indian women’s cricket and pioneer women’s cricket in India. With a stand named after her, this association underlined the relevance of women as a formative era in the sport. Her recognition is a spur for young girls who want to play cricket at a higher level.
This homage transcended the individual achievement as a statement on the importance cricket placed in Karnataka. The ceremony acknowledged administrators, former players and enthusiastic fans who have helped to turn Chinnaswamy Stadium into a cricketing landmark. For the Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans the move was a personal gesture helping to draw a line around their heroes with the redevelopment of the site.
The name of the stands in honour of Dravid, Kumble and Rangaswamy make it to the next generation. In a stadium that is now on the path of new history, these icons are now one of the most enduring aspects of the story. More than a party, the festival reinforced cricket’s place in the Indian psyche as being a game meant to be passed on by heroes and loved by millions of Indians.
