Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings staged the ‘Roar 2026’ event at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where they brought together former players and the present squad ahead of the new IPL season beginning on March 28.
The franchise used the occasion to celebrate its history and connect with supporters.
Several former CSK cricketers, including S Badrinath, Ambati Rayudu, Matthew Hayden, Muttiah Muralitharan, Parthiv Patel, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Joginder Sharma, Murali Vijay and Lakshmipathy Balaji, attended the event.
Badrinath posted a group photograph on social media, showing the players posing with the team’s five IPL trophies while wearing retro CSK jerseys.
The event featured interactions between past legends and current players such as captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube and recruit Sanju Samson. Fans cheered loudly for Dhoni, while Samson drew attention ahead of his first season with the franchise following his recent international success.
Fans Create a Vibrant Atmosphere
Crowds at the stadium actively supported the players, chanting names and celebrating their favourites. Sanju Samson, in particular, received enthusiastic cheers, and his jerseys saw strong sales outside the venue.
The event included several nostalgic scenes, with Dhoni sharing laughs with former teammates like Raina, Rayudu and Bravo.
Ruturaj Gaikwad bowled to Matthew Hayden during a light-hearted moment, and the current squad also conducted an open training session featuring drills and casual games.
Musical performances, including one by AR Rahman, added to the festive atmosphere. During the event, Dhoni presented commemorative plaques to Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre, giving fans memorable highlights.
Chennai Super Kings will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30. They will then play Punjab Kings on April 3, Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5, and Delhi Capitals on April 11 as they aim to compete strongly in the tournament.
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