The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), under the leadership of Venkatesh Prasad, has announced that two stands at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
will be named after Karnataka greats Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid. The move recognises their immense contributions to both Karnataka and Indian cricket.
Kumble remains India's highest wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs, while Dravid stands as the country's second-leading run-scorer in Test cricket, behind Sachin Tendulkar. Both stalwarts have also led the Indian national team during their distinguished careers.
Reacting to the honour, Kumble said, "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 recognised and are now permanently etched in the stadium. "
He also welcomed the recognition for his longtime teammate and former India captain Dravid, along with ex-India women's skipper Shantha Rangaswamy. "It's really nice that my cricketing colleague Rahul Dravid and Shantha Rangaswamy also being recognised for their massive contributions to Karnataka and Indian cricket. Congratulations to all of you," Kumble added.
"To see the stands named after so many of our legends, some who I had the privilege of playing with and others who set the tone and example for us to follow at KSCA, is so just wonderful. "
The announcement comes at a significant time for the Bengaluru venue. The Karnataka cabinet has cleared the resumption of Indian Premier League matches at the stadium, acting on the recommendations of the Justice John Michael D'Cunha Report. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that stricter norms regarding ticketing, crowd management and stadium access will be enforced.
Cricketing activity at the ground had been halted since June 2025 following a tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL title celebrations, which claimed 11 lives and left several injured. The fresh measures aim to ensure safer conduct of future events at the historic venue.
