Both teams, India and South Africa, have reached Andhra Pradesh for the third ODI, which is the decider match, to be played on December 6. Notably, the series is poised after South Africa got an equalizer in Raipur. Notably, the third Test will be played in Visakhapatnam's Andhra Cricket Association–Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association Cricket Stadium which has been later renamed as the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium. When was the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium built? The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam was built in 2003 by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), in the Pothinamallayya Palem / Madhurawada area on the city’s outskirts. Designed to bring an international-standard cricket venue to coastal Andhra, the ground was conceived with a modest but fan-friendly capacity — seating around 25,000 spectators. For any stadium built in 2000, the Vizag stadium is well modernized with two-tier seating. It does not have any pillars in the stadium, ensuring a clear vision for the spectators. Not only that, there are scopes of further renovations in the stadium. Architecture and InfrastructureThe ground also offers hospitality facilities: in a recent phase of renovation, additions reportedly included hospitality boxes, improved washroom facilities, lifts, enhanced entry/exit management — all part of a broader push to make the stadium more comfortable for both fans and players. Exceptional Drainage system This played a huge role that earned the stadium the Test status. Nitably, the stadium has a great name in drainage and has the capacity to host the match within one hour of the match stops, The lush green outfield has a good soil absorbs water faster and channels it out. Its strong drainage system showed his best potential during the 2014 Hudhud cyclone when the stadium was badly destroyed, but the field was relatively dry even though the pitch got exposed due to the covers being blown away. More recently, ahead of a 2023 ODI threatened by rain, stadium officials reaffirmed the quality of the drainage system, stating that full ground covers plus “super-soppers” (high-capacity water-removal machines) would allow the match to resume within an hour of showers. First Internationals and Elevation to Test Status The stadium’s international journey began on 5 April 2005, when it hosted its first men’s One Day International (ODI) — a high-profile clash between India and Pakistan. Over the years, the ground gradually built up its international credentials. It was given Test-match status in 2015, and in November 2016 hosted its first Test — India vs England. Currently, this stadium is one of the important stadiums for Women's cricket and will be hosting two T20I matches against Sri Lanka Women. Milestones and Iconic Matches Over its two-decade lifespan, the Vizag stadium has already witnessed several landmark performances: First ODI (5 April 2005): In just the second match at the ground, a young Mahendra Singh Dhoni hammered 148 (123 balls) against Pakistan — his maiden international century, a knock that catapulted him to superstardom. High ODI totals & batting landmarks: The highest team ODI score at the venue was 387/5 by India vs West Indies in 2019.mong individual highlights, Rohit Sharma scored a brilliant 159 in the same series. October 2019 Test vs South Africa: In a match widely remembered, Rohit Sharma (playing as a Test opener) scored a majestic hundred in both innings, and compatriot Mayank Agarwal converted his maiden Test ton into a double — a feat that underscored the ground’s potential for producing big totals. England tour of India 2024: Modern day batting star Yashasvi Jaiswal got his first maiden Test double century (209 of 290 balls). Back-up Stadium for IPL The ACA-VDCA stadium is yet to become a traditional metro ground but has been hosting IPL matches since 2012. In 2012, when the now-defunct Deccan Chargers used it as home ground, the venue has periodically hosted matches, especially when scheduling, venue availability or regional logistics demanded alternatives. In 2015, Sunrisers Hyderabad played there; in 2016, both Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants used the ground — a rare instance of two franchises sharing the venue in a season However, in 2025, the stadium hosted a few matches, for with they underwent renovations. Read also: How has Virat Kohli's twin centuries influence ticket sales in Vizag stadium for the third INDvsSA ODI? ACA source revealed shocking results Pitch Behavior The pitch and outfield at Vizag have developed a distinct character over time: early on, the surface often played as batting-friendly, flat and hard, favoring stroke play, especially in limited-overs matches. Spinners have gotten help as games progress — many matches saw turning tracks emerge by the second innings, making the venue a balanced one (not a one-dimensional batting paradise) In addition, coastal weather brings another variable: dew, especially for night games. That often influences the toss and match strategies, since chasing under lights can benefit from a damp outfield and easier batting conditions. Overall, while first-innings batting tends to dominate (reflected in several high totals and centuries), teams that can spin the ball and bowl smartly on day two or fourth innings have also enjoyed success — giving captains a tactical spread to work with. ACA-VDCA stadium looking to increase seat counts Looking ahead, the future seems bright for the Vizag stadium. The stadium authorities and ACA have reportedly planned expansions — the capacity may be expanded toward ~36,000, with additional tiers and improved spectator amenities. Recent infrastructure upgrades — hospitality boxes, better washrooms, modern lifts, improved safety systems — signal a push to cement the ground’s readiness for international fixtures or major leagues.