Chinnaswamy Stadium Honours Dravid, Kumble with Named Ends Ahead of IPL Clash

Bengaluru, April 2026 : Indian cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble were honoured with stadium ends named after them at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, marking a special moment ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association officially unveiled the “Rahul Dravid End” and the “Anil Kumble End” in a ceremony attended by family members, cricket officials, and dignitaries. As part of the renaming, the former BEML End has been dedicated to Dravid, while the Pavilion End now carries Kumble’s name.

The event was presided over by KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, a former India pacer and teammate of both stalwarts. He was joined by vice-president Sujith Somasundar and other senior officials of the association, making it a memorable gathering celebrating Karnataka’s cricketing legacy.

The decision to honour Dravid and Kumble was announced earlier this year in recognition of their immense contributions to Indian and Karnataka cricket. Dravid, widely regarded as one of the finest batters in the history of the game, amassed 24,177 international runs across formats, while Kumble remains India’s highest wicket-taker with an extraordinary tally of 956 wickets.

Speaking on the occasion earlier, Dravid had expressed deep emotional attachment to the venue, calling it his “second home.” He reflected on the countless hours spent at the stadium, describing it as a place of both triumphs and challenges that shaped his cricketing journey. “It has given me everything I am today,” he had said, expressing gratitude to the KSCA and the iconic ground.

Kumble, too, highlighted the collective contribution of Karnataka’s cricketing ecosystem in nurturing generations of players. He emphasised that the recognition was not just about individuals, but about the shared legacy of the state’s cricketing community. “It’s truly special that all contributions are now permanently etched in the stadium,” he had remarked.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, both Dravid and Kumble belong to an elite group of cricketers who not only captained India but also later served as head coaches of the national team, further cementing their legacy in Indian cricket.

Family members of both legends were present during the ceremony, making it an emotional and proud moment. Dravid’s mother Pushpa and brother Vijay attended the event, while Kumble was joined by his wife Chetana and their children.

The naming of the stadium ends stands as a lasting tribute to two of India’s greatest cricketing icons, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire future generations at one of the country’s most iconic cricket venues.