The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has honored two prominent figures in Indian cricket by naming stands at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble. This decision highlights their significant contributions to Karnataka cricket and their impact on the International scene. The initiative was introduced during the leadership of former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad, who played alongside both legends.
Kumble, the leading wicket-taker for India in Tests and ODIs, concluded his international career with 953 wickets in 401 matches. Known for his competitive spirit and leadership, he brought Karnataka’s cricketing identity to the world stage and later captained the national team. Kumble stated that this honor represents the shared journey of Karnataka cricket, emphasizing collective achievements over individual recognition.
He pointed out that the growth of the state association and its players have intertwined, influencing each other’s successes over the years. For him, the tribute signifies more than just a name but acknowledges the lasting contributions made in a stadium filled with historic moments.
“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. It’s not really about whose name is on which stand. It’s truly special that all the contributions have been recognized and are now permanently etched in the stadium,” Kumble said in a media release.
Dravid shared his emotional connection to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which he refers to as his “second home.” As India’s second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, he accumulated 24,064 international runs in 504 matches, including 48 centuries. Renowned for his resilience and skill, Dravid also captained India through a crucial period.
Reflecting on his experiences, Dravid mentioned that he spent more time at the stadium during his playing career than at home. He recalled the range of emotions experienced at the venue, which has played a central role in his life. Dravid expressed gratitude to the KSCA for shaping him as a cricketer and a person and shared a cherished memory of his father introducing him to the sport and taking him to matches during his youth. He noted that having a stand named after him would have made his father proud.
“It’s been a second home to me, and it’s been a place where, as Anil said, we probably spent more time here than we have spent in our houses. It’s been a place of great happiness, sometimes great disappointment as well, but a place that has truly given me everything I am today. I can never be more grateful for what the KSCA and this great ground have given me in my life,” Dravid remarked at the event.
Shantha Rangaswamy, a former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, will also have a stand named in her honor at the stadium. Rangaswamy was the first Indian woman to score a Test century and played a crucial role in advancing women’s cricket in India. Over her career from 1976 to 1991, she made significant contributions in 16 Tests and 19 ODIs, amassing 1,037 runs. Her recognition highlights the importance of acknowledging women’s contributions to Karnataka and Indian cricket.
