In what promises to be a nostalgic and electrifying curtain-raiser to the new IPL season, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for a grand reunion event titled Roar ’26 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22. Known for their deep connection with fans and a legacy built on consistency, CSK are taking things up a notch this year by bringing together legends and current stars under one roof.
‘OG Super Kings’ to reunite for grand fan engagement
The event is scheduled from 4 pm to 9 pm IST and is being billed as much more than just a fan meet. It’s a celebration of CSK’s journey, a tribute to its loyal Yellow Army, and a rare opportunity to see different generations of players share the same stage again. From iconic match-winners to present-day heroes, the evening will blend cricket, entertainment and pure emotion.
One of the biggest highlights of the event will be a unique exhibition contest featuring the “OG Super Kings” squad against the current CSK lineup. Fans can expect high-energy moments as legends like Matthew Hayden, Dwayne Bravo, Suresh Raina, Muttiah Muralitharan, Murali Vijay and Subramaniam Badrinath return to Chepauk, a ground where they created countless unforgettable memories.
Interestingly, what adds an extra layer of intrigue is the fact that several of these legends are currently associated with rival franchises. Bravo is mentoring Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Hayden has taken up a role with Gujarat Titans (GT), while Muttiah Muralitharan is part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) setup. Despite these professional commitments, CSK have reportedly coordinated with franchises to ensure their participation, underlining the emotional pull of the franchise.
While early buzz hinted at a major announcement during the event, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has played down such speculation. “It is just a pre-launch for the season and an exercise in fan engagement. There is nothing more to read into it,” he clarified, while also revealing that nearly 19-20 former players are expected to be part of the celebration.
However, not every familiar face will be present. Veteran off-spinner R Ashwin, who started his IPL career with CSK, is likely to miss the event due to prior commitments.
Star power, music and fan experience to define Roar ’26
Beyond cricket, Roar ’26 is shaping up to be a full-blown entertainment spectacle. Adding a cultural and musical dimension to the evening, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman will deliver a special live performance, ensuring the atmosphere at Chepauk reaches a whole new level.
CSK have described the event in grand terms, emphasizing its immersive nature and emotional appeal. “The evening will witness the legendary Oscar award-winning music director AR Rahman delivering a special live performance, turning Chepauk into a pulsating arena of music and lights, filling it with celebration and immersive fan experiences, creating memories that last a lifetime,” read an official CSK statement.
With such a lineup, fans can expect a seamless blend of cricket nostalgia and world-class entertainment, making it one of the most unique pre-season events in IPL history.
Tickets for the event went live on March 15 and are available through multiple official platforms, including the CSK app, the franchises official website and District. The franchise has also issued a clear warning to fans, urging them to avoid unauthorized sellers and unofficial platforms to prevent any inconvenience.
Meanwhile, preparations for the IPL season are already in full swing. By the time the event takes place, new signings like Sanju Samson and Sarfaraz Khan have joined the CSK camp in Chennai. Samson’s arrival, in particular, has sparked conversations about the team’s future leadership, with MS Dhoni expected to play a mentoring role as the franchise plans ahead.
CSK will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with an away match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, before returning home to face Punjab Kings on April 3. With only the initial set of fixtures announced so far due to upcoming elections, anticipation around the season continues to build.
