M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk): History, Pitch and Matches
A guide to M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, known as Chepauk: its history, spin-friendly pitch, the 1986 tied Test and Chennai Super Kings.
The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, usually called Chepauk after the neighbourhood in which it stands, is one of the oldest Test venues in India. Located in Chennai, it is run by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and is the home of Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
History
Cricket has been played at Chepauk since 1916, and the ground staged its first Test in 1952, when India beat England there. It is named after M. A. Chidambaram, a long-serving administrator who was president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Stands have been rebuilt over the years, and the capacity is now about 50,000.
Pitch and conditions
Chepauk is closely linked with spin bowling. The surface is typically dry and slow, offering turn and grip as a match goes on, and heat and humidity add to the demands on players. Fast bowlers usually have to work hard for reward, while batters who are patient and good against spin can build large scores.
Memorable matches
In September 1986 the stadium hosted the second tied Test in history, between India and Australia, in extreme heat, after Dean Jones scored a double century for the visitors. In 1999 Pakistan won a tense Test here by 12 runs, and the home crowd gave the visitors a standing ovation, which is still remembered as a fine example of sportsmanship. Virender Sehwag scored 319 against South Africa here in 2008, and Karun Nair made an unbeaten 303 against England in 2016, becoming the second Indian to score a Test triple century.
Chennai Super Kings
Since 2008 the stadium has been the base of the Chennai Super Kings. Their supporters are known for filling the stands in yellow, and the slow surface has often suited the team’s spin-heavy attacks. The ground also hosted matches at the 2011 and 2023 men’s World Cups.
Frequently asked questions
Why is M. A. Chidambaram Stadium called Chepauk?
Chepauk is the Chennai neighbourhood where the ground stands, and the name is widely used as a nickname for the stadium.
What kind of pitch does Chepauk offer?
It is traditionally slow and dry, offering turn and grip for spinners as matches develop.
Which famous Test was tied at Chepauk?
India and Australia played a tied Test there in September 1986, only the second tied Test in the sport’s history.