“MS Dhoni stole the show, as expected,” remarked an attendee at the inaugural ROAR 2026 fan event hosted by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk, Chennai. The event, held on March 22, 2026, featured an exhibition match with franchise legends, rekindling nostalgia among fans.
Dhoni, who has been training intensively since early March, appeared to be enjoying himself as he kept wickets to some of his former teammates. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, especially when a fan was seen breaking down in tears as she watched Dhoni walk onto the field.
The event also showcased the IPL 2026 squad, including players like Sanju Samson, who received special mementoes from Dhoni, honoring T20 World Cup heroes Shivam Dube and Samson himself.
Notable former players such as Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden donned the iconic yellow jersey once again, making it a memorable day for fans. A. R. Rahman performed following the exhibition match, adding to the event’s festive spirit.
This was the first ticketed event for fans leading up to the IPL season, with tickets available online. CSK will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30, 2026, followed by their first home game against the Punjab Kings on April 3, 2026.
In IPL 2025, Dhoni scored 196 runs at a strike rate of 135.17 across 14 matches, showcasing his enduring prowess on the field. As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, fans are eager to see how CSK will perform after finishing at the bottom of the points table for the first time in IPL history in 2025.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further announcements from the CSK management, but the anticipation for the upcoming matches is palpable among supporters.
