M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600002

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

Description - 

The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, also popularly known as Chepauk Stadium, is a cricket stadium located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Established in 1916, it is the second-oldest cricket stadium in the country, after Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The stadium is named after M. A. Chidambaram, the former president of BCCI and Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). It is the home ground of the Tamil Nadu cricket team and the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), also affectionately called "The Yellow Brigade" by their fans. CSK is currently the defending champion of the IPL. The stadium has a capacity of over 38,200 spectators and has been a witness to many historic moments in Indian cricket history. It hosted its first-ever international game in 1934, a Test match between India and England, and also saw India's first-ever Test victory in 1952, against England. The 1986 India-Australia match held at Chepauk was only the second-ever Tied Test in the history of the game.

Stadium Details  

  • Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Year Established: 1916 (Second oldest cricket stadium in India)
  • Capacity: 38,200
  • Owner: Tamil Nadu Cricket Association
  • Home teams: Tamil Nadu cricket team, Chennai Super Kings (IPL)

Stadium History - 

The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, fondly referred to as Chepauk, boasts a rich history that goes back over a century. Here's a glimpse into its past:

  • Early Days (1866-1916): The foundation for the stadium was laid much earlier than its official establishment. The pavilion, a key part of any cricket ground, was built way back in 1866. It underwent reconstruction in 1892 and served the ground until 1982.

  • Birth of Chepauk (1916 onwards): The stadium itself came into existence in 1916, making it the second-oldest cricket venue in India after Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Initially known as the Madras Cricket Club Ground, it was later named after M. A. Chidambaram, a former BCCI president and head of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).

  • Witnessing History (1930s onwards): Chepauk has been the stage for many historic cricketing moments. It hosted its first Test match in 1934, followed by the inaugural Ranji Trophy match the same year. Notably, in 1952, the Indian cricket team secured its first-ever Test victory against England at Chepauk, a moment etched in cricketing folklore.

  • A Ground for All Seasons (1960s onwards): From 1960 to 1988, Chennai's Test match during the second week of January became a tradition, coinciding with the Pongal harvest festival and earning the name "Pongal Test." The stadium has also been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) era, becoming the home ground for the Chennai Super Kings since 2008.

  • A Ground that Keeps Evolving: Chepauk has undergone renovations and improvements over the years. The old pavilion was demolished in 1982 as part of a major stadium revamp. Today, it stands as a modern sporting facility, a testament to the rich cricketing legacy of Chennai.

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Records at this stadium -

Test:

  • Highest Team Total: India (759/7 against England, 2016)
  • Highest Individual Score: Virender Sehwag (319 against South Africa, 2008) - Fastest Triple Century in Test History
  • Most Wickets (Match): Narendra Hirwani (16 wickets for 136 runs on Debut)
  • India's first ever Test win: Against England by an innings and 8 runs

ODI:

  • Highest Individual Score: Saeed Anwar (Pakistan) - 194 (highest ODI score at the time in 1997)
  • Second Tied Test in History: Between India and Australia (1986)
  • Sunil Gavaskar surpassed Don Bradman's record of 29 Test centuries at this venue

T20:

 

  • Highest Total: Chennai Super Kings (246/5 against Rajasthan Royals, 2010)
  • Lowest Total: Royal Challengers Bangalore (70 all out against Chennai Super Kings, 2019)
  • Highest Individual Score: Murali Vijay (Chennai Super Kings) - 127 runs off 56 balls (against Rajasthan Royals, 2010)
  • Most Runs: Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings) - 1498 runs in 55 innings
  • Chennai Super Kings' home dominance: Won 46 out of 76 matches played at the stadium in IPL
 

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