MA Chidambaram Stadium

MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, universally known as Chepauk, is one of India's most historically significant and technically demanding cricket venues, with a seating capacity of 50,000. Established in 1916 and owned by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), Chepauk holds the extraordinary distinction of hosting India's very first home Test match - against England in February 1934 - making it the birthplace of Test cricket in India and a venue of deep national significance. The home of Chennai Super Kings - the IPL's most successful and beloved franchise with five championship titles - Chepauk transforms into a golden-yellow fortress during the IPL, with some of the loudest and most knowledgeable crowds in Indian sport.

The stadium's pitches are renowned for their slow, low, turning surface that develops quickly and offers exceptional assistance to spin bowlers from the first session, making Chepauk one of the most feared venues for touring teams in world cricket. Legendary spinners including BS Chandrasekhar, EAS Prasanna, Bishan Singh Bedi, Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Ravichandran Ashwin have all delivered career-defining performances at Chepauk. India's home record at the Chepauk is outstanding across all formats, with Chennai batting tracks turning into dusty spin mines by day four and five of a Test match.

The stadium's location in central Chennai, close to the world's longest urban beach Marina Beach, makes it a culturally resonant venue that embodies the soul of Tamil Nadu's deep cricketing tradition stretching back over a century. Renovated for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup with a new drainage system, upgraded hospitality, and improved spectator amenities, Chepauk remains as relevant and challenging as ever in the modern era of cricket.