Which promises to be a nostalgic and electrifying curtain raiser to the new IPL season Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Chennai’s prestigious M.A. on 22nd March.
‘OG Super Kings’ reunite for grand fan engagement
The event is scheduled from 4 PM to 9 PM IST and is billed as much more than just a fan meet. It is a celebration of CSK’s journey, a tribute to its loyal Yellow Army, and a rare opportunity to see players from different generations on the same stage again. From iconic match winners to today’s heroes, the evening will be a blend of cricket, entertainment and pure emotion.
The biggest attraction of the event will be a unique exhibition competition which will include “OG Super Kings” Team 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, an added layer of intrigue is the fact that many of these legends are currently associated with rival franchises. Bravo is the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Hayden has played a role with Gujarat Titans (GT), while Muttiah Muralitharan is part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) setup. Despite these professional commitments, CSK has reportedly coordinated with the franchises to ensure their participation, underscoring the emotional pull of the franchise.
While initial buzz indicated a big announcement during the event, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has dismissed such speculations. “This is simply a pre-launch for the season and an exercise in fan engagement. There’s nothing more to read into it.” He clarified, while also revealing that around 19-20 former players are expected to be a part of the celebrations.
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 becoming a complete entertainment spectacle. Adding a cultural and musical dimension to the evening, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman will give a special live performance that will ensure that the ambiance of Chepauk reaches a whole new level.
CSK has described the event as grand, emphasizing its massive nature and emotional appeal. “The evening will see renowned Oscar award-winning music director AR Rahman perform a special live performance that will transform Chepauk into a pulsating arena of music and lights, filling it with celebration and intense fan experiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime.” Read CSK’s official statement.
With a lineup like this, fans can expect a seamless blend of cricketing 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 on multiple official platforms including the CSK app, the franchise’s 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 of the event, new players like Sanju Samson and Sarfaraz Khan have joined the CSK camp in Chennai. Samson’s arrival, in particular, has sparked talks about the future leadership of the team, with MS Dhoni expected to play an advisory role as per the franchise’s future plans.
CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with a match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, before returning home to face Punjab Kings on April 3. With only preliminary events having been announced so far due to the upcoming elections, anticipation around the season is growing.
