For years, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, fondly known as Chepauk, has been the impregnable fortress of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The yellow army’s den where legends were made and opponents feared to tread. But the 2025 IPL season has flipped the script dramatically, turning this once mighty stronghold into what feels like an open house - and not in a good way.
The season, the first shockwave came when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally broke their 17-year jinx at Chepauk, securing their first-ever win here since 2008. This was followed by Delhi Capitals (DC) ending their own 15-year drought at the venue, clinching their maiden victory since 2010. Then came the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who handed CSK their lowest-ever home total, a humiliating blow to the 5-time champions’ pride.
But the surprises didn’t stop there. On a memorable Friday night, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who had never tasted victory at Chepauk before, walked away with a triumphant grin, breaking their long-standing jinx in emphatic fashion. This marked four consecutive home defeats for CSK - a rare and alarming streak that has only occurred once before in their history, and never this rapidly. In addition, the last time CSK lost four home games in a season was back in 2012, but that took ten matches; this year, it happened in just five.
CSK’s dominance at Chepauk has been a cornerstone of their success. The stadium has often been their happy place, a ground where they have thrived and where opponents have struggled to gain a foothold.
Yet, 2025 has been a year of record-breaking heartbreaks. The fortress that once seemed invincible is now undergoing what can only be described as a renovation - a rebuilding phase forced by unexpected setbacks and a shaken confidence. The once reliable home advantage has slipped away, leaving fans and players alike rattled.
Despite these challenges, CSK’s spirit remains unbroken. The team has shown resilience in past seasons, and experts believe that the yellow army can still turn things around, especially when playing at home. However, the 2025 season will be remembered as the year Chepauk lost its superpowers.
