Chepauk Stadium Undergoes Renovation Ahead of T20 World Cup
Renovation of Chepauk Stadium
The iconic Chepauk Stadium, known as the spiritual home of cricket in Tamil Nadu, is currently undergoing renovations. This upgrade is aimed at preparing the venue for the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for next year. A significant aspect of the renovation focuses on transforming the outfield, which will alter the stadium's overall landscape. Traditionally smooth, the Chepauk outfield has faced criticism from fans, particularly regarding the performance of former Indian captain MS Dhoni, especially after the IPL 2025 season.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Dhobi would play tuk tuk even here too
— ‘ (@reignsvkera18) July 10, 2025
Dhoni he will score 25 balls 100 Runs on this stadium
— Adesh Neradi (@AdeshNerad31345) July 10, 2025
Chepauk is getting ready for RCB to thrash CSK once again
— DeiMoS🗡⚒ (@18_x_rebelwood) July 10, 2025
Dhoni's IPL Performance
MS Dhoni's performance during the 2025 IPL season has been disappointing for many fans who eagerly anticipate his appearances each year. After being appointed as captain mid-season, Dhoni concluded the IPL with a total of 196 runs across 13 innings, achieving a strike rate of 135.17, which is considered low for a middle-order batsman in T20 cricket. In CSK's final match of the season against the Gujarat Titans, he did not have the opportunity to bat.
The Outfield at Chepauk
The outfield at Chepauk Stadium, officially known as M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, is recognized for its smoothness and quickness. The well-maintained grass allows the ball to race towards the boundary, facilitating scoring opportunities. The surface is also safe for fielders, enabling them to dive and slide without injury. The ground has excellent drainage, allowing for quick recovery after rain, thanks to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association's diligent maintenance efforts. Overall, the outfield is ideal for both batting and fielding.
Chepauk's Pitch Statistics
In T20 matches at Chepauk, the highest score recorded is 246 runs, while the lowest has been as low as 100 runs. The pitch offers a lively playing surface that evolves throughout the match, initially favoring batsmen but becoming increasingly challenging for them as the innings progresses, particularly for spinners. While fast bowlers may have the upper hand early on, spinners become crucial as the game advances. Teams winning the toss often choose to bat first to capitalize on the pitch conditions before they deteriorate.