CSK Match Today Live: Dhoni Shines at ROAR 2026 Fan Event

By Ananya Rao / 23.03.2026

“MS Dhoni stole the show, as expected,” remarked an observer at the inaugural ROAR 2026 fan event hosted by the Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, Chennai. The event, held on March 22, 2026, featured an exhibition match that brought together franchise legends, rekindling memories for 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 electric, with a fan visibly moved, breaking down in tears as she watched Dhoni walk onto the field.

The exhibition match included notable former players such as Suresh Raina, Matthew Hayden, and Dwayne Bravo, all donning the iconic yellow jersey once again. This nostalgic gathering was a highlight for many attendees, as it showcased the rich history of the franchise.

A. R. Rahman, the renowned composer, performed at the event following the exhibition match, adding to the celebratory mood. Tickets for the event were made available online, marking the first ticketed event for fans in the lead-up to the IPL season.

During the event, Dhoni presented special mementoes to T20 World Cup heroes Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson, further emphasizing the significance of the day. The excitement builds as CSK prepares to 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 talent. Fans are hopeful that he will continue to perform at a high level in the upcoming season.

As the event concluded, the sense of nostalgia and excitement lingered among the fans, who are eagerly anticipating the start of the IPL season. CSK’s performance in 2025, where they finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time in history, adds an extra layer of motivation for the team to bounce back this season.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further events leading up to the IPL, but the enthusiasm surrounding CSK and its players remains palpable as they gear up for the challenges ahead.