MA Chidambaram Stadium, also called Chepauk, is one of the oldest cricket grounds in India. It was set up in 1916 and is still used today. It is named after M. A. Chidambaram and is run by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. It is the home ground of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
The stadium has hosted many big matches. India played their first Test here in 1934 against England. India also got their first-ever Test win here in 1952. It also hosted a famous tied Test in 1986 against Australia. Chepauk has hosted IPL finals in 2011, 2012, and 2024. It is also used for domestic cricket and TNPL matches.
MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch
At MA Chidambaram Stadium, the pitch has changed a lot.
Earlier, it was slow and helped spinners. The ball used to grip and turn. But has been more batting-friendly in IPL 2026. In 3 out of 4 innings, scores have crossed 200. This is because of more red-soil pitches, which are flatter and faster.
The ground size is medium. Straight boundaries are around 70–75m, while square boundaries are shorter at 62–68m. So timing matters more than power.
Stats show a balanced ground. Average first innings score is around 163–165. Teams batting first have won slightly more (52 vs 41).
Big records here include highest total 246/5 by Chennai Super Kings and lowest 70 all out by Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Recent IPL 2026 matches show high scoring. CSK made 212/2 vs DC and 192/5 vs KKR. Even in a loss, they scored 189 vs PBKS.
Dew plays a big role in night matches. It makes the ball wet and harder to grip, especially for spinners. So teams usually choose to bowl first and chase.
MA Chidambaram Stadium Features
At MA Chidambaram Stadium, major upgrades started around 2010 before the World Cup.
Three new stands were built, adding about 12,000 seats. Old pillar-supported roofs were replaced with modern PTFE fabric roofs, which improved viewing and allowed better airflow from the sea breeze. The stands were also redesigned with a steep angle for better sightlines.
But in 2015, the Supreme Court of India ruled parts of the renovation unsafe. Some stands were sealed and stayed closed for years. After issues with lease and safety compliance, they were finally reopened in 2020.
More upgrades happened before the 2023 World Cup. Old structures like the Anna Pavilion were demolished and rebuilt. A new stand was named after M. Karunanidhi. Capacity went up to around 38,000 after completion.
Before the 2026 T20 World Cup, the pitch and grass were relaid again. The stadium is set to host multiple matches in that tournament.
FAQs
Q. Where is MA Chidambaram Stadium located?
A. The stadium is in Chennai and is also called Chepauk.
Q. Which team uses this stadium as home ground?
A. Chennai Super Kings play their home matches here.
Q. What type of pitch is at Chepauk now?
A. It has been more batting-friendly with many scores above 200 in IPL 2026.
Q. Does the pitch still help spinners?
A. The pitch is now flatter and faster, so less help for spinners.
Q. Do teams prefer batting or bowling first here?
A. Teams usually choose to bowl first here. Because dew makes chasing easier in night matches.
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