Bengaluru, April 6: In a significant event ahead of the IPL 2026 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), legendary Indian cricketers Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble were honored at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The stadium’s ends were officially dedicated to them on Sunday.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) unveiled the ‘Rahul Dravid End’ and ‘Anil Kumble End’ during a ceremony attended by family members of both players. The old ‘BEML End’ has been renamed in honor of Dravid, while the ‘Pavilion End’ now bears Kumble’s name.

Venkat Prasad, a former fast bowler and KSCA president who played alongside both legends, presided over the event. Vice President Sujit Somesundar and other officials were also present.

Earlier this year in February, the association announced that they would honor Rahul Dravid, who scored 24,177 international runs, and Anil Kumble, India’s most successful bowler with 956 wickets across all formats, by naming stadium stands after them.

Both Dravid and Kumble are part of a rare club, having served as coaches for the national team after their captaincy. Dravid’s mother Pushpa and brother Vijay attended the ceremony, while Kumble’s wife Chetna and their children Maya, Aruni, and Swasti were also present.

Reflecting on the honor, Dravid stated, “This has been a second home for me. As Anil mentioned, we have spent more time here than at our own homes. This place has brought me immense joy and, at times, disappointment, but it has truly given me everything I am today. I will always be grateful to KSCA and this iconic ground for what it has provided in my life.”

Kumble added, “It wouldn’t be wrong to say that all our contributions have shaped Karnataka cricket into what it is today, and Karnataka cricket has made us who we are. It doesn’t matter whose name is on which stand. The most special aspect is that everyone’s contributions have been recognized and will now be permanently etched in the stadium.”