Eden Gardens, often referred to as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket,” is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Established in 1864, this historic venue has hosted several legendary cricket matches, including World Cup finals and thrilling IPL encounters.
This Stadium is one of the IPL 2025 venues and It serves as the home ground for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and has witnessed some of the most unforgettable moments in cricket history.
Eden Gardens – Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1864 |
| Capacity | 63,000 |
| Location | Kolkata, India |
| Home to | Bengal, Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Curator | Probir Mukherjee |
| First International Match | India vs. England (Test, 1934) |
| First ODI | India vs. Pakistan (1987) |
| First T20I | India vs. England (2011) |
| First IPL Match | KKR vs. Deccan Chargers (2008) |
| Highest Individual Score (IPL) | Brendon McCullum – 158* (2008) |
| Best Bowling Figures (IPL) | Sunil Narine – 5/19 |
| Most IPL Matches Hosted | Over 80 matches |
Notable International Matches Hosted: 1987 Cricket World Cup Final, 2016 ICC T20 World Cup Final, India vs. Australia Test (2001) – The famous follow-on comeback
Pitch & Ground Conditions
The pitch at Eden Gardens has changed over the years, creating different challenges for both batters and bowlers. While it is mostly good for batting, certain conditions can favor bowlers as well.
Batting or Bowling Friendly? – The pitch is usually great for batting, with good bounce that allows players to play their shots. However, as the game goes on, spinners start to get more help because the surface slows down.
Fast Bowlers vs. Spinners – In the early overs, fast bowlers can get some swing, especially under lights. But as the match progresses, spinners—especially wrist spinners—become more effective because the pitch helps them grip the ball better.
Dew & Weather Conditions – Dew plays a big role in night matches. It makes the ball slippery, making it harder for bowlers, especially spinners, to control their deliveries. This is why teams usually prefer to bowl first so that they can take advantage of the better conditions while chasing.
Overall, Eden Gardens offers a mix of challenges, and teams need to adjust their game plans based on the pitch and weather conditions.
IPL 2025 Matches at Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens, the home ground of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will host several exciting matches in IPL 2025. The stadium will witness thrilling contests, including key league-stage encounters and a high-stakes playoff match. Below is the complete schedule of IPL 2025 matches at this venue.
IPL 2025 Matches Scheduled at Eden Gardens
| Match Time (GMT) | Fixture | Match Number |
|---|---|---|
| 14:00 GMT | KKR vs RCB | 1st Match |
| 14:00 GMT | KKR vs SRH | 15th Match |
| 10:00 GMT | KKR vs LSG | 19th Match |
| 14:00 GMT | KKR vs GT | 39th Match |
| 14:00 GMT | KKR vs PBKS | 44th Match |
| 10:00 GMT | KKR vs RR | 53rd Match |
| 14:00 GMT | KKR vs CSK | 57th Match |
| 14:00 GMT | TBC vs TBC | Qualifier 2 |
With passionate fans filling the stands, Eden Gardens is set to deliver unforgettable moments in IPL 2025!
IPL Stats at Eden Gardens
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings Score | 165-175 |
| Highest IPL Total | 232/2 – KKR vs. MI (2019) |
| Lowest IPL Total | 49 all out – RCB vs. KKR (2017) |
| Win % (Batting First) | ~45% |
| Win % (Chasing) | ~55% |
Memorable IPL Matches at Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens has been the stage for some of the most unforgettable moments in IPL history. From record-breaking performances to dramatic comebacks, this iconic venue has witnessed it all. Here are some of the most memorable matches played here:
1. KKR vs. RCB (2017) – RCB’s Lowest Total
- RCB All Out for Just 49 Runs!
- Chasing a modest 132, RCB suffered one of the most shocking collapses in IPL history.
- KKR’s pacers, led by Nathan Coulter-Nile and Chris Woakes, demolished RCB’s batting lineup.
2. KKR vs. CSK (2012 IPL Final) – KKR’s Maiden Title
- Manvinder Bisla’s Heroics!
- KKR chased down 191, thanks to Bisla’s explosive 89 off 48 balls.
- This victory secured KKR’s first-ever IPL trophy.
3. MI vs. KKR (2019) – Russell’s Power Show
- Andre Russell’s 80 off 40 balls!*
- KKR posted their highest IPL total (232/2).
- Russell’s explosive knock included 8 sixes and 6 fours.
Best IPL Performers at Eden Gardens
| Player | Runs/Wickets | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Gautam Gambhir | 1400+ runs | Consistent IPL batsman |
| Robin Uthappa | 1100+ runs | Crucial contributor |
| Andre Russell | 1000+ runs | Best strike rate (~180) |
| Sunil Narine | 50+ wickets | Best economy (~6.5) |
| Piyush Chawla | 40+ wickets | Key spinner for KKR |
| Umesh Yadav | 30+ wickets | Effective in powerplay |
Conclusion
Eden Gardens is not just a stadium; it’s a historic battleground where legends are made. From high-scoring thrillers to bowlers dominating, this venue has it all. With a passionate crowd, a challenging pitch, and iconic performances, it remains one of the best IPL venues for fans and players alike.
Whether you’re a fantasy cricket player or a cricket enthusiast, understanding the pitch conditions, key player performances, and past match trends at Eden Gardens can give you an edge in predicting match outcomes.
FAQs About Eden Gardens and IPL Matches
How does the crowd impact IPL matches at Eden Gardens?
The electrifying atmosphere created by passionate KKR fans makes Eden Gardens one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams. The loud cheers and unwavering support often act as an extra boost for Kolkata Knight Riders, influencing match momentum.
What is the best strategy for teams playing at Eden Gardens in IPL?
Given the pitch conditions and dew factor, teams often prefer to chase rather than set a target. Bowlers who can control their line and length in the death overs and spinners who vary their pace tend to succeed here.
How has Eden Gardens changed over the years in IPL?
Earlier, Eden Gardens was known for its slow and turning tracks, but in recent years, the pitch has become more batting-friendly. However, spinners still play a crucial role, especially in the second half of the innings.
Which overseas players have the best records at Eden Gardens in IPL?
Several overseas players have dominated at Eden Gardens. Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Sunil Narine have all delivered standout performances in IPL history at this venue.
Is Eden Gardens a high-scoring ground in T20 cricket?
Yes, in most cases, Eden Gardens produces high-scoring matches, especially in day games when there is no dew. However, spinners can still restrict runs effectively if they bowl with variations.
What is the ideal bowling combination for Eden Gardens in the IPL?
Teams usually prefer a mix of pacers and spinners, with one or two wrist-spinners who can exploit the surface and powerplay pacers who can extract early movement under lights.
What are some of the biggest sixes hit at Eden Gardens in IPL?
Players like Andre Russell, MS Dhoni, and Chris Gayle have smashed some of the longest sixes at Eden Gardens. The shorter boundary on one side makes it a good venue for power hitters.
Which teams have the best winning record at Eden Gardens in IPL?
Apart from KKR, which naturally enjoys a strong record at their home ground, teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have also performed well at Eden Gardens over the years.
What is the role of the toss in deciding IPL matches at Eden Gardens?
The toss plays a significant role, as teams winning the toss often prefer to chase due to the impact of dew in the second innings, making it easier to bat under lights.
