Power Ranking the World Twenty20 Finals Venues
Thanks to the popularity of the Indian Premier League, the sights and sounds of India's incredible cricket stadiums have become familiar to fans and players alike all around the world.
And with next year's ICC World Twenty20 competition being held in the country, these hallowed sporting arenas are about to get even more global exposure.
But which of the eight grounds, recently named as host venues by the organisers, is top of the pile? And which is in danger of letting the side down?
To answer the question, we have power-ranked each stadium based on their atmosphere, history and aesthetics and listed the results in ascending order here. Enjoy.
8. VCA Stadium
1 of 8
Location: Nagpur
Capacity: 45,000
Built: 2008
Teams: Vidarbha, Deccan Chargers, India
In terms of facilities, the Vidarbha Cricket Association's home is impressive, with state-of-the-art floodlights, an ultra-modern press box, a well-furnished pavilion and plenty of provisions for spectators.
However, like many of the world's modern stadia, this degree of 21st century comfort can lead to a lack of atmosphere, and many locals miss the vibrant old VCA Ground that was situated right in the heart of Nagpur itself.
Additionally, that intangible sense of history is also absent from this otherwise impressive-looking ground, making it a mixed experience for the cricket enthusiast.
Atmosphere: 6
History: 1
Aesthetics: 9
Total: 16
7. HPCA Stadium
2 of 8
Location: Dharamshala
Capacity: 23,000
Built: 2003
Teams: Himachal Pradesh, Kings XI Punjab, India
Don't forget your camera if you are visiting this one! As well as being the highest stadium in the world, with its Himalayan backdrop, the HPCA is one of the most stunningly located cricket grounds on the planet.
Photo opportunities aside, it will be interesting to see how the venue copes with the intense spotlight from the world's media, having hosted just a couple of ODIs and one T20 International in its short history so far.
Also, considering the difficulty in getting there—the nearest airport is 250 kilometres away—will they be able to fill the stadium for multiple World Cup matches? We will find out.
Atmosphere: 6
History: 2
Aesthetics: 10
Total: 18
6. PCA Stadium
3 of 8
Location: Mohali
Capacity: 30,000
Built: 1993
Teams: Punjab, Kings XI Punjab, India
With something in it for both batsmen and bowlers, the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium usually offers one of the most competitive cricket wickets in the country. As the national side know, having experienced the high of beating Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semi-final and the low of being rolled for 83 against New Zealand on the first morning of a Test.
From a spectator point of view, while the oft-crowded uncovered stands can be testing, especially when it rains, when the action is under way on the field, this cauldron of noise and colour comes to life like few others.
Atmosphere: 8
History: 5
Aesthetics: 6
Total: 19
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5. M. A. Chidambaram Stadium
4 of 8
Location: Chennai
Capacity: 38,000
Built: 1916
Teams: Chennai Super Kings, Tamil Nadu, India
Controversially, Chennai's M. A. Chidambaram stadium has been included in the list of T20 World Cup venues, despite several of its stands being closed for a number of years.
Hopefully, this issue will be resolved by next March, as the ground, although not everybody's cup of tea looks-wise, boasts an abundance of modern facilities and often has a pleasant sea breeze flowing through and keeping everyone cool.
Also, the fans are renowned for their impressive sportsmanship, as evidenced by Saeed Anwar of archrivals Pakistan receiving a standing ovation in 1997 after scoring 194 in an ODI.
Atmosphere: 8
History: 8
Aesthetics: 5
Total: 21
4. M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
5 of 8
Location: Bangalore
Capacity: 40,000
Built: 1969
Teams: Karnataka, Royal Challengers Bangalore, India
Chris Gayle caused mayhem at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium when he blasted the ball to all parts, registering 175 off just 66 deliveries for the locally adored Royal Challengers in the 2013 edition of the IPL.
But, of course, this ground has played host to numerous incredible innings over its 50 years of history, including Michael Clarke's ton-on-debut and Inzamam-ul-Haq's century in his 100th Test.
To really see the venue come to life, a visit to an evening game is recommended, where the atmosphere and visceral noise of the crowd goes to another level.
Atmosphere: 9
History: 7
Aesthetics: 7
Total: 22
3. Feroz Shah Kotla
6 of 8
Location: Delhi
Capacity: 55,000
Built: 1883
Teams: Delhi Daredevils, Delhi India
India haven't lost a Test at Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla since 1987, and the historic ground that was built in the 19th century is something of a national institution.
True, the wicket can sometimes be slow—part of the stadium appears to resemble a ramshackle multi-storey car park and getting to and from the venue can be difficult.
However, a recent upgrade in facilities has improved things for spectators, and as soon as the vociferous home support get warmed up, the experience of a lifetime is in store.
Atmosphere: 9
History: 9
Aesthetics: 4
Total: 22
2. Wankhede Stadium
7 of 8
Location: Mumbai
Capacity: 32,000
Built: 1974
Teams: Mumbai Indians, Mumbai, India
The Wankhede Stadium hosted one of the greatest days in Indian cricket's history when MS Dhoni's men saw off Sri Lanka by six wickets to lift the ICC World Cup in 2011 in front of an electric crowd.
Although, arguably, the atmosphere was even louder two years later when the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who, alongside Sunil Gavaskar has a stand named after him here, played his final innings!
A pleasing-to-the-eye circular playing surface, surrounded by smart-looking stands with modern suspended-cantilever roofs ensures spectators get a spectacular view wherever they are seated.
Atmosphere: 8
History: 8
Aesthetics: 8
Total: 24
1. Eden Gardens
8 of 8
Location: Kolkata
Capacity: 66,000
Built: 1864
Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders, Bengal, India
Once capable of holding over 100,000 people before safety concerns led to a reduction in capacity, the legendary Eden Gardens is India's biggest stadium and the third-largest cricket venue in the world.
And when it is full, playing here is considered a rite of passage for any international cricketer, with the deafening and electric atmosphere providing a real test of nerve.
The ground has hosted some of the biggest games in cricket's history including the 1987 ODI World Cup final and the greatest Test comeback ever, when India overcame a 274-run first innings deficit to beat Australia.
At the annual awards ceremony of the Cricket Association of Bengal, former India captain K Srikkanth claimed "Eden Gardens is the greatest place to play cricket," as reported by Business-Standard.com, and this colosseum is a fitting spot to host the 2016 T20 World Cup final.
Atmosphere: 10
History: 10
Aesthetics: 7
Total: 27
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