Bengaluru’s iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium just got even more special for cricket legend Rahul Dravid. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has decided to name two stands after Dravid and fellow stalwart Anil Kumble. The announcement came from KSCA’s newly appointed president Venkatesh Prasad, a former teammate of both icons in the Indian team.
Dravid, visibly moved during the event, called the stadium his ‘second home.’ ‘In the early days of my career, this ground was like a second home to me. I spent more time here than at my own house. I’ve experienced the highest joys and deepest disappointments right here on this field,’ he shared emotionally.
Reflecting on his journey, Dravid credited the ground for shaping his life. ‘Whatever I am today, this place has the biggest contribution. I don’t have words to express what this ground has given me.’ He reminisced about childhood trips with his father, who fueled his passion for cricket by bringing him to matches, from Tests to Ranji Trophy games.
‘I am truly grateful to Venkatesh Prasad and his committee for thinking of naming a stand after me. It will mean so much to my family. My father loves sports, and he played a huge role in instilling this love in me. He’d bring me here for matches whenever he took leave. I think he’ll be filled with pride knowing an end is named after his son,’ Dravid added.
Anil Kumble echoed the sentiment in a media release: ‘It’s not about whose name is on which stand. It’s about recognizing all contributions that have made Karnataka cricket what it is today, just as Karnataka cricket made us who we are. These honors will be etched forever in the stadium.’
Both Dravid and Kumble are giants of Indian cricket, having captained the national side. Dravid is the second Indian after Sachin Tendulkar to score over 10,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs, and under his coaching, India clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kumble holds the record for most international wickets by an Indian. This tribute cements their legacy at the venue that witnessed their rise.