IND vs ZIM: ‘Fresh’ Chepauk pitch should bring welcome relief for India
Times of India
by DWAIPAYAN DATTAFebruary 24, 2026
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India’s cricket team is set to face Zimbabwe at the Chepauk pitch in Chennai for a crucial match in the T20 World Cup. The pitch, known traditionally for being slow and helping spin bowlers, has undergone significant changes ahead of the tournament. Following recent struggles with their batting and a series of high scores on this venue, the fresh and favorable conditions at Chepauk could provide much-needed relief for India’s batters.
The pitch was relaid after lying dormant for five months, ensuring it remains in excellent condition. This has resulted in a track that is coming onto the bat well, with recent matches showing teams batting first dominating games. For instance, New Zealand chased down targets of 175 and 176 with relative ease, while Canada’s Yuvraj Samra hit an impressive 110 off 65 balls. The absence of spin-friendly conditions has made the pitch more balanced, benefiting batters.
India’s reliance on big hitters like Suryakumar Yadav, who prefer the ball to come onto the bat, could be a key factor in this match. Zimbabwe, with their pace-off bowlers, might struggle on a pitch that doesn’t offer much assistance. This shift in dynamics could influence India’s strategy, with captain SKY possibly opting to bat first to capitalize on the favorable conditions.
The recent high scores and lack of dew-related challenges make Chepauk an ideal venue for competitive cricket. While Zimbabwe may aim for a modest target, the pitch is expected to remain true, offering both teams a fair opportunity to perform
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026