The MA Chidambaram Stadium, fondly known as Chepauk, stands as a monumental figure in Indian cricket. Located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, it has been the spiritual home of the sport in the state since the Presidency matches began in 1916.
About
| Also knows as | Chepauk; Madras Cricket Club Ground |
| Named After | The President of BCCI, and also the President of the TNCA |
| Capacity | 38,000 |
| End Names | Anna Pavilion End, V Pattabhiraman Gate End |
| Flood Lights | Since the 1996 World Cup |
| Home Teams | Tamil Nadu |
| Pitch | Grass |
Highlights
Spiritual Home of Cricket: MA Chidambaram Stadium has been the center of cricket in the state since the Presidency matches began in 1916.
First Test Match: The first Test played at Chepauk was in 1933-34 between Douglas Jardine’s England and CK Nayudu’s India.
Pongal Festival Tradition: Test matches at Chepauk were often held during the Pongal festival, becoming synonymous with the occasion.
Historic Ranji Trophy Match: The stadium hosted the first-ever Ranji Trophy match where AG Ram Singh’s 11 wickets bowled Madras to a victory over Mysore within a single day.
India’s First Test Win: India recorded its first Test victory at this venue in 1951-52, defeating England by an innings and eight runs.
Gavaskar’s Milestone: Sunil Gavaskar scored his record-breaking 30th Test century at this stadium during the 1983-84 season.
Tied Test: The India-Australia Test in 1986-87 at Chepauk ended in a tie, marking only the second tie in Test cricket history.
Hirwani’s Record Debut: In the 1987-88 season, Narendra Hirwani achieved the best bowling figures by a debutant in Test cricket, taking 16 wickets for 136 runs.
Seating Plan
Map
The Birth of CSK’s Fortress
Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, the MA Chidambaram Stadium has been CSK’s home ground, providing an electric atmosphere unmatched by any other venue. With its yellow sea of fans, Chepauk has turned into a fortress for CSK, where opposition teams often struggle to find their rhythm. The support from the stands creates a palpable energy that has played a crucial role in CSK’s success over the years.
MS Dhoni: The Heart of Chepauk
No mention of Chepauk is complete without discussing MS Dhoni, the captain who has led CSK to numerous IPL titles. Fondly referred to as “Thala” (meaning “leader” in Tamil), Dhoni has been the embodiment of calm leadership, guiding CSK with precision, skill, and unmatched tactical acumen. His bond with Chepauk fans is special, as he has been instrumental in creating many of CSK’s memorable moments on this ground.
Dhoni’s Lasting Legacy at Chepauk
As MS Dhoni edges toward the twilight of his career, his legacy at the MA Chidambaram Stadium remains stronger than ever. Dhoni’s connection with the Chepauk faithful transcends mere captaincy—it is an emotional bond that has been built on years of loyalty, thrilling victories, and unwavering support.
Yellow Army
The MA Chidambaram Stadium is more than just a ground for CSK—it is their fortress, their home, and the heart of their success in the IPL. For cricket fans, especially in Chennai, the stadium represents more than just cricket—it is where Thala Dhoni became a legend, and where CSK etched its name into the history books. With Dhoni’s presence, every match at Chepauk is a celebration of cricket, loyalty, and a deep connection between the team and its fans.
Whistle Podu!
As the years go by, the legacy of Chepauk continues to grow, with every match adding a new chapter to its already glorious history. For fans of the game, a trip to the MA Chidambaram Stadium is not just about watching cricket; it’s about soaking in the rich heritage of Indian cricket and celebrating the spirit of the sport.
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