CSK vs SRH: For MS Dhoni, Chepauk pitch has been an unsolved puzzle since 2010
MS Dhoni lost the toss at home against SunRisers on Friday (AP Photo) CSK have lost three of their four home games in IPL 2025 so far
MS Dhoni said it's been difficult to read the pitch in Chennai
CSK were asked to bat first by SunRisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Friday
Chennai Super Kings have not had the best of times at home this season, losing three of their four matches at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in IPL 2025. Over the years, CSK had built an unbreachable fortress at Chepauk, but this season has proven to be a struggle for the home team. They suffered a loss to Delhi Capitals in Chennai for the first time in 15 years, and shortly after, they were beaten by Royal Challengers Bangalore for the first time since 2008.
On Friday, April 25, MS Dhoni lost yet another toss in Chennai, and he looked slightly disappointed when Sunrisers Hyderabad's captain, Pat Cummins, asked the home side to bat first. | CSK vs SRH - Coverage |
When asked about the surface and his thoughts on batting first, MS Dhoni admitted that he has found it difficult to read the pitch at Chepauk ever since it was relaid in late 2010.
"I've been saying this since 2010. When I mention that I'm not sure about the wicket, people expect a slow pitch, but that's not the case. The wicket hasn't been the same since we returned in 2010 after the Champions Trophy when it was relaid. Sometimes, batting first is a good option, sometimes batting second is better. The groundsmen are doing their best, and I think the old red soil suits the conditions here," Dhoni explained.
Over the years, the pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium has undergone several changes. Once regarded as a spinner's paradise, the Chepauk pitch has become increasingly batter- and pacer-friendly. In fact, during the 2024 season, CSK had a strong home record, winning five of their seven matches on pitches that favoured seamers more.
Heading into the 2025 season, CSK strengthened their line-up with three quality spinners in Noor Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin. However, the trio has failed to deliver together so far.
Earlier in the season, CSK's head coach, Stephen Fleming, also expressed his disappointment with the pitches in Chennai, stating that the team had not been able to enjoy a true home advantage in recent years.
"There's no home advantage at Chepauk. We've won a couple of matches away from home, but we haven't been able to read the wickets here in the last few years. This isn't something new for us, we're trying to adjust to the conditions every day, but it's still uncertain," Fleming added.
In a bid to revive their campaign, CSK made three changes to their playing XI. They brought in Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, and handed a debut to Dewald Brevis, while dropping Jamie Overton, Vijay Shankar, and opener Rachin Ravindra.
With only two wins from their first eight matches, CSK now find themselves needing to win all of their remaining six fixtures to stay in contention for the playoffs.
Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!
Chennai Super Kings have not had the best of times at home this season, losing three of their four matches at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in IPL 2025. Over the years, CSK had built an unbreachable fortress at Chepauk, but this season has proven to be a struggle for the home team. They suffered a loss to Delhi Capitals in Chennai for the first time in 15 years, and shortly after, they were beaten by Royal Challengers Bangalore for the first time since 2008.
On Friday, April 25, MS Dhoni lost yet another toss in Chennai, and he looked slightly disappointed when Sunrisers Hyderabad's captain, Pat Cummins, asked the home side to bat first. | CSK vs SRH - Coverage |
When asked about the surface and his thoughts on batting first, MS Dhoni admitted that he has found it difficult to read the pitch at Chepauk ever since it was relaid in late 2010.
"I've been saying this since 2010. When I mention that I'm not sure about the wicket, people expect a slow pitch, but that's not the case. The wicket hasn't been the same since we returned in 2010 after the Champions Trophy when it was relaid. Sometimes, batting first is a good option, sometimes batting second is better. The groundsmen are doing their best, and I think the old red soil suits the conditions here," Dhoni explained.
Over the years, the pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium has undergone several changes. Once regarded as a spinner's paradise, the Chepauk pitch has become increasingly batter- and pacer-friendly. In fact, during the 2024 season, CSK had a strong home record, winning five of their seven matches on pitches that favoured seamers more.
Heading into the 2025 season, CSK strengthened their line-up with three quality spinners in Noor Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin. However, the trio has failed to deliver together so far.
Earlier in the season, CSK's head coach, Stephen Fleming, also expressed his disappointment with the pitches in Chennai, stating that the team had not been able to enjoy a true home advantage in recent years.
"There's no home advantage at Chepauk. We've won a couple of matches away from home, but we haven't been able to read the wickets here in the last few years. This isn't something new for us, we're trying to adjust to the conditions every day, but it's still uncertain," Fleming added.
In a bid to revive their campaign, CSK made three changes to their playing XI. They brought in Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, and handed a debut to Dewald Brevis, while dropping Jamie Overton, Vijay Shankar, and opener Rachin Ravindra.
With only two wins from their first eight matches, CSK now find themselves needing to win all of their remaining six fixtures to stay in contention for the playoffs.
Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment! Join our WhatsApp Channel
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