The MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk, has been an integral part of cricket history in India since its inception with the Presidency matches in 1916. 

Its significance soared when it became the venue for the inaugural Ranji Trophy match in 1934, marking the start of many historic events.

One of the stadium’s pivotal moments came in 1951-52 when India secured their first Test victory against England, etching an indelible mark in cricket lore. 

Over the years, Chepauk has witnessed numerous records being set and unforgettable matches unfolding on its hallowed grounds.

The iconic stadium has seen plenty of mouth-watering Indian T20 League encounters over the years. 

It stood as a formidable fortress of the MS Dhoni-led Chennai team in the Indian T20 League, serving as the backdrop for their memorable performances and triumphs, playing a big role in Team Chennai becoming the joint-most successful team in league history with five triumphs.

Besides Team Chennai in the Indian T20 League, it is also a host venue for India in international cricket, and Chennai in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic competitions.

With that said, here’s a closer look at the MA Chidambaram Stadium T20 records and stats.

MA Chidambaram Stadium T20 records and stats 

Highest total

The highest total in 20-over cricket at this venue was made by Team Chennai in the 2010 edition of the Indian T20 League against Team Rajasthan. Batting first, they scored 246/5 thanks to Murali Vijay’s 127 and Albie Morkel’s 62. Team Chennai then went on to restrict Team Rajasthan to 223/5 and win by 23 runs.

Lowest total 

The lowest team total at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in T20s was made by Team Bangalore during the 2019 edition of the Indian T20 League. They scored 70 before being bundled out by Team Chennai, who comfortably chased down the target with seven wickets and 14 balls to spare.

Most runs 

Former Indian left-hander Suresh Raina scored the most T20 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While representing Team Chennai in the Indian T20 League and the Indian national team in international cricket, Raina amassed a whopping 1,593 runs between 2008 and 2019. He’s struck eight fifties and one century in 20-over cricket at the venue, including his best score of an unbeaten 100 in a winning cause against Team Punjab in the 2013 season of the Indian T20 League.

Most wickets

Legendary Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has bagged the most wickets in T20s at this venue. While representing the likes of Team Chennai, Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan in the Indian T20 League as well as India on the international stage, Ashwin has picked up 55 wickets in 47 matches at this venue between 2010 and 2024. He also boasts an impressive economy of 6.28 and an average of 20.38 while bowling in T20s at Chepauk.

Highest individual score

Australian batter David Warner holds the record for the highest individual score in T20s at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Batting first, the destructive left-hander scored an unbeaten 135 for New South Wales against Team Chennai in a Group A game during the 2011 edition of the Champions League T20. His ton helped New South Wales post 201/2 before bowling out Team Chennai for 155 in 18.5 overs to register a 46-run win. 

Best bowling figures

So far, only five bowlers have managed to take five-wicket hauls in domestic, franchise, or international T20 games at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. However, the individual with the best bowling figures in T20s at this venue is Akash Madhwal, whose 5/5 for Team Mumbai against Lucknow in the Indian T20 League 2023 Eliminator turned out to be a Player of the Match performance. Defending a target of 183 against Lucknow, Mumbai’s Akash Madhwal was in unstoppable form as he opened the bowling in the second innings for his side before going on to claim the scalps of Prerak Mankad, Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mohsin Khan. His mind-boggling spell helped Mumbai win the game by 81 runs after Lucknow were skittled out for 101.

Highest partnership

Murali Vijay and Michael Hussey's 159-run stand for Team Chennai against Bangalore in Indian T20 League 2011 is the highest partnership in T20s at this venue. Their partnership helped Team Chennai post 205/5 before restricting Bangalore to 147/8 to register a 58-run win. Hussey finished his innings with 63 off 45 balls, while Vijay made 95 from 52 deliveries.

Highest successful chase

Team Chennai hold the honour of recording the highest successful chase at this venue against Bangalore during the 2012 edition of the Indian T20 League. Chasing a target of 206, Faf du Plessis made 71 from 46 balls and MS Dhoni scored 41 off 24 balls to help Team Chennai to 208/5 at the end of their 20 overs.

Photo credit: Alamy