No one doubted actor Santhanam when he, in one of his films, slipped ‘Cricket na Chepaakam (Cricket means Chepauk) into a monologue on the features of Chennai. In fact, to many in this locality and across the city, the first thing that comes to their mind on hearing the name ‘Chepauk’ is either veteran cricketer M.S. Dhoni, whom they fondly call Thala, or the M.A. Chidambaram (MAC) Stadium.
Encompassed by four roads in four directions (two of which connect to Anna Salai), the MAC Stadium, also called the Chepauk Stadium, has become an integral part of the city over the years.
“Of course, over the last 40-50 years, this place has left an indelible impression in the minds of people. It instils a nostalgic feeling in those who have seen it since its inception. The current one, too, has a unique charm about it,” recalls W.V. Raman, a former Indian cricketer.
