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Melbourne Renegades pacer Brendan Doggett said he was excited and honoured to arrive in Chennai and play a Big Bash League (BBL) match there, appreciating the grounds rich history.
He acknowledged the Renegades struggles in recent seasons but said the team is rebuilding with a promising young squad. Doggett also sees the Chennai trip as a valuable chance to experience local conditions, with the team planning to rely on players with IPL experience to develop their tactics once they understand the pitch better. BBL is set to kick off its 2026-27 season in India, with Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium set to host the opening match in December. Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers will be the teams taking on each other in Chennai. The fixture will mark the first-ever BBL game played outside Australia and will officially kick off the BBL 16 season on December 12. "I just arrived in Chennai today, which is really exciting. Coming through the change rooms, you get to see so much of the history thats been created in and around this ground, and everything thats happened here. So, its a real honour to be here and a real privilege to have the opportunity to play a Big Bash game here in December. Its really exciting," Doggett told ANI. "Weve probably struggled a little bit over the last few BBL seasons, so theres been a bit of a rebuild. I think were building a really good young squad, and this is going to be a great opportunity for us to come over here and experience these conditions. Im not really sure what the wicket is going to offer us yet, but well lean on the experience of the guys who have been out here before and played in the IPL. Well build our tactics around that and see what happens as we get a bit closer to the game," he added. Phil Rigby, Head of Business Operations for the Big Bash League, expressed his excitement over bringing the BBLs 16th season to Chennai, with the opening match. He thanked the BCCI for its support in making the historic fixture possible and said the league is looking forward to giving Chennai fans a special Big Bash experience at the iconic stadium. "Were heading into our 16th season of the Big Bash League, and its incredibly exciting to announce that well be playing the opening game of the season here in Chennai. Were incredibly fortunate to have the support of the BCCI in making this game happen, and we cant wait to bring the Big Bash to your city and this famous stadium on December 12," Rigby told ANI. "Were looking forward to sharing the Big Bash experience with all of you and making it a really special occasion. So, keep an eye out for tickets going on sale in early October. We cant wait to see you there!" he added. The Melbourne Renegades will be the designated home side for the historic clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. (ANI)
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