The iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is home to four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings. The MS Dhoni-led side is bolstered by the individual performances of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane with the bat in IPL 2023, while Ravindra Jadeja, Mahesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana are crucial with part of the team with the ball.
CSK has made a brilliant start to the season, winning five matches and losing two to take the top spot in the points table. The Chennai-based franchise won their first match at home against Lucknow Super Giants but lost a close encounter against Rajasthan Royals. They, however, bounced back in their third home match to clinch a seven-wicket victory over SunRisers Hyderabad. CSK will host Punjab Kings (April 30), Mumbai Indians (May 6), Delhi Capitals (May 10) and Kolkata Knight Riders (May 14). Additionally, the MA Chidambaram Stadium will host the IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 (May 23) and Eliminator (May 24).
History of MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Commonly known as the Chepauk Stadium, it is the second-oldest stadium in India, established in 1916. The stadium was formerly known as Madras Cricket Club Ground but was renamed after the former BCCI president and Head of TNCA. The stadium hosted its first Test match in 1934 and the first Ranji Trophy encounter in 1936.
The stadium has a total area of 752,000 square feet. It holds a seating capacity of 50,000 spectators. Interestingly, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has scored more runs in MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai than any other venue in India. Former India captain MS Dhoni holds a Test double century at the venue, while Karun Nair scored 303* at the same venue against England in 2016.
T20 Records and Stats at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has the Anna Pavillion, and V Pattabhiraman Gate ends. After its establishment, the pitch favoured fast bowlers. But after the emergence of India’s spin quartet — Bishan Singh Bedi, BS Chandrasekar, S Venkatraghavan, and EAS Prasanna — it was turned into a spin-friendly wicket. Incidentally, out of the top 10 wicket takers at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the top nine are spinners, with former India captain Kapil Dev the lone fast bowler in the list. Let us have a look at some of the key T20 stats and records at the venue.
- Total Matches: 6
- Wins batting first: 5
- Wins bowling first: 1
- Avg 1st innings score: 150
- Avg 2nd innings score: 119
- Highest score chased: 182
- Lowest total defended: 103
