The MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as the Chepauk, got its name after former President of the BCCI and Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, MA Chidambaram. Established in 1916, it is the oldest venue in India, offering a spin-friendly surface and challenging batting conditions.
Being the home to five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since 2008, the Chepauk has witnessed several memorable low-scoring encounters where teams have successfully defended small totals across Test matches, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL games. The dry pitch, turn and bounce for spinners often contribute significantly to such outcomes.
Trinidad & Tobago beat CSK by 12 runs to defend lowest total at Chepauk
One such instance, which stands out among the lowest scores defended at this venue, dates back to October 2, 2011 during the Champions League T20. The Trinidad and Tobago side won the toss and elected to bat first. The Daren Ganga-led side, on the back of a fighting knock from William Perkins and a few crucial contributions from Lendl Simons (20), Adrian Barath (23) and Kevon Cooper (28), posted 123/8 in their 20 overs. In reply, the side restricted Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to 111/6 and registered a 12-run win. As a result, they stayed alive in the competition.
Lowest totals defended at Chepauk in IPL
In the Indian Premier League, the record belongs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Chennai Super Kings’ rival. RCB defended 126 against CSK back in the first edition of the IPL in 2008. Since then, the record stands.
| Team | Score | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 126/8 | Chennai Super Kings | May 21, 2008 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 132/9 | Kolkata Knight Riders | April 28, 2015 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 117/9 | Pune Warriors India | April 25, 2011 |
| Mumbai Indians | 139/9 | Chennai Super Kings | April 6, 2013 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 124/10 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | May 4, 2015 |
Lowest totals defended at Chepauk in ODI
| Team | Score | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 171 | South Africa | 6 Mar 2011 |
| Kenya | 226/8 | Bangladesh | 23 May 1998 |
| Australia | 235/9 | Zimbabwe | 13 Oct 1987 |
| Australia | 241/6 | West Indies | 21 Oct 1989 |
| England | 243 | West Indies | 17 Mar 2011 |
Lowest totals defended at Chepauk in T20I
| Team | Score | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 167/5 | India | 11 Sep 2012 |
| USA | 196/6 | Netherlands | 13 Feb 2026 |
| USA | 199/4 | Namibia | 15 Feb 2026 |
| Afghanistan | 200/4 | Canada | 19 Feb 2026 |
| India | 256/4 | Zimbabwe | 26 Feb 2026 |
