Published By: Sanchari Das

Chepauk Classics: Reliving Five of the Greatest Test Matches

India's legacy at Chepauk: 34 matches, 15 wins, seven losses, 11 draws, and one iconic tie

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, lovingly called Chepauk, is a temple of test cricket in India. Since its establishment in 1934, this iconic Chennai ground has hosted some of the most memorable test matches. From dramatic wins to heartbreaks, Chepauk has seen it all. As India prepares to host Bangladesh in a two-match test series starting on September 19, marking the first test clash between the two nations at this venue, it's the perfect time to revisit five of the greatest India tests at this hallowed ground.

India vs. Pakistan: 1st test, 1999

Chepauk has been the stage for many of Sachin Tendulkar's iconic performances, and none was more heartbreaking than the 1999 test against Pakistan. Chasing 271 on a turning track against the formidable trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Saqlain Mushtaq, India stumbled to 82/5. Battling back pain, Tendulkar played in heroic innings of 136, putting India near victory. But after his dismissal with just 17 runs required, the Indian tail crumbled. Pakistan won by 12 runs, but the Chennai crowd gave them a standing ovation—a testament to the sportsmanship and the high drama Chepauk often provides.

India vs. Australia: 3rd test, 2001

In 2001, India faced Australia in one of the most thrilling test series ever. After their miraculous win at Eden Gardens, India took on Australia in the decisive third test at Chepauk. Australia batted first and posted a daunting 391, with Matthew Hayden smashing a colossal 203. Harbhajan Singh's 7-wicket haul kept India in the game. Sachin Tendulkar's sublime 126 helped India reach 501, giving them a crucial lead. Harbhajan's eight wickets in the second innings restricted Australia to 264, leaving India a target of 155. VVS Laxman's gritty 66 guided India to a nerve-wracking two-wicket win, sealing a famous series victory.

India vs. England: 1st test, 2008

The 2008 test against England was an emotional affair, coming just weeks after the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. With the nation in mourning, cricket offered solace. England established a challenging target of 387 for India. Virender Sehwag's blazing 83 from 68 balls set the tone for the chase, but Sachin Tendulkar walked in when India slipped to 183/3. In one of his most cherished knocks, Tendulkar, with Yuvraj Singh, orchestrated a spectacular chase. Tendulkar's unbeaten 103 and Yuvraj's 85 not out took India to an incredible six-wicket victory, giving the country a reason to smile after tragedy.

India vs. South Africa: 1st test, 2008

Virender Sehwag's destructive batting was in full force during the 2008 test against South Africa. After the Proteas posted a mammoth 540, India needed a heroic response, and Sehwag delivered in sensational style. Smashing his way to 319 off just 304 balls, Sehwag registered his second triple-century in test cricket, demolishing a strong South African bowling attack that included Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini. His explosive innings set the foundation for India's solid 627, ensuring the match ended in a high-scoring draw. Sehwag's breathtaking strokeplay left the cricketing world in awe and further solidified his legend at Chepauk.

India vs. England: 5th test, 2016

Chepauk witnessed another record-breaking innings in 2016 when Karun Nair became only the second Indian to score a triple century in test cricket. After England posted 477 in their first innings, India responded with a mammoth 759/7, thanks to Nair's magnificent unbeaten 303. His innings, studded with 32 boundaries and four sixes, came at a crucial time and helped India establish a commanding 282-run lead. Ravindra Jadeja's seven-wicket haul in the second innings wrapped up England for 207, giving India a resounding victory by an innings and 75 runs. This match also cemented Nair's place in history as a Chepauk great.