MA Chidambaram Stadium: Pitch Report – Bowling and Batting, Records and Statistics
Cricket is not just a game in India; it is a religion and has its own place too. And Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium holds a very special place in the hearts of cricket lovers. Popularly known as the Chepauk Stadium, it is one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country. It has been a witness to countless historical moments over the decades.
In this blog, we will go deep into the pitch report of the MA Chidambaram Stadium, its batting and bowling behaviour, statistics and records. Let’s see what makes Chepauk such a unique and challenging venue for players across all formats.
History of MA Chidambaram Stadium
Named after the former BCCI president, the MA Chidambaram Stadium was established in 1916, making it more than a century old. It is the second oldest cricket stadium in India after Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Located in Chepauk, Chennai, this ground has hosted numerous Test, ODI, T20I and IPL matches.
The stadium is also the home ground of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the IPL. With a seating capacity of over 50,000 fans, the atmosphere here is very exciting, especially when CSK is playing at home.
Nature of the pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium
The Chepauk pitch is one of the most talked about surfaces in India. Unlike flat batting tracks, this ground has earned a reputation for being spin-friendly. Over the years, spinners have dominated the proceedings here. Let’s see why:
Characteristics of Chepauk pitch:
- Spin-friendly: The pitch helps spinners, especially from the third day in Test matches. The dry conditions and clay nature make it a paradise for spinners.
- Slow surface: The wicket is often slow, making it difficult to make strokes. Batsmen need to adapt and play smart rather than relying on raw power.
- Challenging for pacers: Fast bowlers generally find it difficult to extract pace from the surface. However, reverse swing and smart variations in pace can be useful weapons.
- Difficult chasing ground: Teams chasing big scores often struggle as the pitch slows down. Setting a total and defending it has been a successful formula here, especially in T20s and ODIs.
Batting report
For batsmen, the MA Chidambaram Stadium is not the easiest place to score freely. The sluggish nature of the pitch means they have to work hard for their runs. Timing the ball is difficult, and boundaries do not flow as easily as other high-scoring Indian venues.
However, once set, batsmen can score big. Players with strong technique and the ability to play spin usually shine here. Legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni have played memorable innings on this ground.
In IPL matches, batsmen who can rotate the strike and adapt to the conditions thrive more than pure power-hitters.
Bowling Report
The Chepauk surface is particularly good for spinners. Over the years, spinners like Anil Kumble and Ravichandran Ashwin have found great success here.
- A heaven for spinners: The dry and dusty surface ensures significant turns as the game progresses. Both finger spinners and wrist spinners get purchase from the wickets.
- Role of Pacers: While fast bowlers do not get much swing, they can still be effective by using cutters, slow balls and reverse swing. In limited overs cricket, new ball bowlers also get some help in the lights.
Related Article: Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium: Pitch Report – Bowling and Batting, Records & Stats
Records and statistics at MA Chidambaram Stadium
Let’s see how the ground behaves in different formats:
Test Matches Â
| Category | Match Details |
|---|---|
| First Test | England vs India – Feb 10–13, 1934 |
| Last Test | India vs Bangladesh – Sep 19–22, 2024 |
| Records | Results • High Totals • Most Runs • Best Bowling • Most Wickets • Partnerships • Statsguru |
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
| Category | Match Details |
|---|---|
| First ODI | Australia vs India – Oct 09, 1987 |
| Last ODI | Pakistan vs South Africa – Oct 27, 2023 |
| Records | Results • High Totals • Most Runs • Best Bowling • Most Wickets • Partnerships • Statsguru |
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
| Category | Match Details |
|---|---|
| First T20I | New Zealand vs India – Sep 11, 2012 |
| Last T20I | England vs India – Jan 25, 2025 |
| Records | Results • High Totals • Most Runs • Best Bowling • Most Wickets • Partnerships • Statsguru |
Women’s Test Matches (WTests)
| Category | Match Details |
|---|---|
| First WTest | India Women vs WI Women – Nov 07–09, 1976 |
| Last WTest | India Women vs SA Women – Jun 28–Jul 01, 2024 |
| Records | Results • High Totals • Most Runs • Best Bowling • Most Wickets • Partnerships • Statsguru |
Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs) Â
| Category | Match Details |
|---|---|
| First WODI | India Women vs AUS Women – Feb 23, 1984 |
| Last WODI | NZ Women vs AUS Women – Mar 05, 2007 |
| Records | Results • High Totals • Most Runs • Best Bowling • Most Wickets • Partnerships • Statsguru |
Women’s T20 Internationals (WT20Is)
| Category | Match Details |
|---|---|
| First WT20I | WI Women vs PAK Women – Mar 16, 2016 |
| Last WT20I | SA Women vs IND Women – Jul 09, 2024 |
| Records | Results • High Totals • Most Runs • Best Bowling • Most Wickets • Partnerships • Statsguru |
Youth Tests (YTests)Â Â
| Category | Match Details |
|---|---|
| First YTest | India U-19 vs Pakistan U-19 – Jan 27–29, 1979 |
| Last YTest | India U-19 vs AUS U-19 – Oct 07–09, 2024 |
| Records | Results • High Totals • Most Runs • Best Bowling • Most Wickets • Partnerships • Statsguru |
Memorable moments at the MA Chidambaram Stadium
- India’s Test victory against the West Indies in 1983, a major milestone before the World Cup win.
- Anil Kumble’s 6/12 against the West Indies in 1993.
- Karun Nair’s triple century in 2016, becoming only the second Indian to achieve the feat.
- In the IPL, many last-over thrillers featuring CSK are etched in the memories of fans.
Conclusion
Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium is a citadel of history, culture and passion. Known for its spin-friendly pitches, this ground always forces batsmen to grind for their runs, while spinners often rule. This makes Chepauk a place where classic cricket battles unfold.
Be it the deafening chants of “Dhoni, Dhoni” or the spinners performing their magic, Chepauk embodies the spirit of cricket. For fans, the MA Chidambaram Stadium is not just a venue, it is an experience, a memory and a place where cricketing dreams come alive.
FAQs Â
Q1. Why is the MA Chidambaram Stadium called the Chepauk Stadium?
The stadium is located in the Chepauk area of ​​Chennai, due to which it is popularly known as the Chepauk Stadium.
Q2. Is the MA Chidambaram pitch suitable for batting or bowling?
Traditionally, the pitch is bowler-friendly, especially for spinners. However, batsmen who can adapt and play spin well have also succeeded here.
Q3. What is the average IPL score at Chepauk?
In IPL matches, the average first innings score is around 160-170 runs, depending on the conditions. It is difficult to chase on this slow surface.
Q4. Which records are most famous at Chepauk?
Some of the prestigious records include Karun Nair’s 303, Narendra Hirwani’s 16 wickets* on debut and Saeed Anwar’s 194 runs in an ODI. In IPL, the venue is famous for the dominance of MS Dhoni and CSK.
Q5. Why is the MA Chidambaram Stadium considered a stronghold for CSK?
The surface of Chepauk suits CSK’s spin-heavy bowling attack and experienced middle-order batting. Supported by a huge crowd, CSK has maintained the best home winning record in IPL.
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