Chennai Super Kings are getting ready for their home games at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. On Sunday, the five-time champions hosted an event for their fans, bringing the current squad and former players under one roof. Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Matthew Hayden, Parthiv Patel, Michael Hussey, Muttiah Muralitharan and S Badrinath donned the yellow jersey once again.
MS Dhoni was the showstopper as expected. The 44-year-old was welcomed by fans when he walked onto the field, much to the delight of the supporters, who bought tickets to see their favourite stars. A fan couldn’t control her tears after seeing Dhoni. Chennai hosted the function to honour their ex-cricketers and the T20 World Cup 2026 winners from the current team.
Thala Dharisanam 🦁#Roar26 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/RST5EpXKct
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2026
While fans cheered for Dhoni, Raina was also welcomed with a roar. Sanju Samson, who will play his first season for CSK, was hailed by fans at the iconic venue.
Dhoni kept wickets to some of his former teammates. He watched Hussey hitting captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for six.
Mr. Cricket still got it 😎#Roar26 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/m8DGYa3pO5
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2026
Samson dispatched Muttiah Muralitharan for a maximum.
Certified Keeper. Certified Pookie! ✨ #Roar26 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/AhJNyYLYFp
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2026
Dhoni and Bravo were involved in a banter. Dhoni had a chance to stump Bravo, but he didn’t remove the bails. The West Indies all-rounder sang a song for the fans before hugging the legendary skipper.
Dhoni honoured Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson for their performance in India’s win in the T20 World Cup at home.
Dhoni also honoured Ayush Mhatre, who led India’s Under-19 team to the World Cup trophy.
The loudest whistles for the world champs! 🥳🦁#Roar26 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/kosEU3T0Gs
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2026
Dhoni and other players then took a lap of honour to thank fans who came to the stadium. The right-handed batter also hit tennis balls into the stands.
It was the first time CSK hosted a ticketed event for the supporters ahead of the new season.
Bravo (mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders), Hayden and Parthiv (coaches of Gujarat Titans) came to Chennai to attend the event.
Dhoni is likely to bid adieu to the IPL after the 19th season, and the fans came in large numbers to witness their hero.
While Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue as captain, there is no confirmation on Dhoni’s participation in all the matches. He could don the wicket-keeping gloves in a few games before giving the responsibility to Samson.
In 14 matches, Dhoni scored 196 at a strike rate of 135.17 last year, with CSK finishing last in the points table.
Dhoni has been preparing hard for the new season. After completing his training in Ranchi, he landed in Chennai to get ready. CSK will play their first game against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Monday, 30 March. Their first home game is against the Punjab Kings on Friday, 3 April.
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