Chennai is electric tonight. The iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium — Chepauk — is about to witness something that has never happened before in IPL history. Chennai Super Kings are hosting ROAR'26, their first ever mega fan event, and it is everything the Yellow Army has been waiting for.
Six days before IPL 2026 officially begins, CSK have given their fans an evening that combines cricket nostalgia, current squad energy, and a live performance by one of India's greatest musicians. Tonight at Chepauk, cricket meets entertainment in the most CSK way possible.
Here is everything you need to know about CSK ROAR'26.
What is CSK ROAR'26?
ROAR'26 is Chennai Super Kings' first ever dedicated fan celebration event. The franchise has described it as a tribute to the journey of the Super Kings and to every fan who has worn yellow over the years.
The event takes place today — Sunday March 22, 2026 — at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Gates opened at 2:00 PM and the main programme runs from 4:30 PM to approximately 9:00 PM.
This is not a regular IPL match. It is something much more personal. It is CSK saying thank you to the fans who stood by them through five titles, through highs and lows, through every Whistle Podu moment at Chepauk.
Full Schedule and Timeline for Tonight
4:30 PM — Current CSK Squad Practice Session
The evening begins with the full CSK squad taking the field for a practice session in front of the fans. This is the first proper public look at the IPL 2026 Chennai Super Kings squad before the season begins.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the side onto the field. Fans will get their first glimpse of marquee trade signing Sanju Samson in yellow — one of the most talked about transfers in recent IPL history. MS Dhoni will also be on the field, giving the crowd the Dhoni moment they have been waiting for.
5:30 PM — Return of the OG Super Kings
This is the moment thousands of fans have come to Chepauk for. The original Super Kings — the legends who built this franchise — return to their home ground.
Suresh Raina leads the OG squad. Alongside him are Matthew Hayden, Murali Vijay, Subramaniam Badrinath, and Dwayne Bravo among others. These are the names that define what CSK stands for. Seeing Raina walk out at Chepauk again will bring the house down — that is not an exaggeration.
The OG Super Kings will face the current CSK squad in a special exhibition match. Old versus new. Legends versus the present. It is the kind of cricket that makes you smile before a single ball is bowled.
Evening — AR Rahman Live Performance
The headline act of the evening is a live performance by AR Rahman — Oscar winning composer, Chennai icon, and one of the greatest musicians India has ever produced.
Having AR Rahman perform at Chepauk on a CSK evening is a combination that could only happen in Chennai. The stadium will transform from a cricket ground into a concert arena, and for CSK fans, it will be a moment they remember for years.
How to Watch CSK ROAR'26 Live
The event will not be broadcast on traditional television channels. Here is how you can follow it:
Official Live Streaming: CSK's official website at chennaisuperkings.com and the CSK App are expected to carry live streaming of the event. CSK may also stream it live on their official YouTube channel.
Social Media Updates: Follow @ChennaiIPL on Twitter and Instagram for real-time updates, videos, and highlights throughout the evening.
IPL Bench Coverage: We will be bringing you live updates, highlights, and analysis throughout the evening right here on iplbench.com. Bookmark this page and check back for updates.
Why This Event Matters for IPL 2026
CSK finished last in IPL 2025. It was a painful season for the Yellow Army — a side that had been a consistent top-four finisher for over a decade suddenly found itself at the bottom of the table.
ROAR'26 is not just a fan event. It is a statement. CSK are saying — we are back, we are rebuilt, and we are ready.
The franchise has made significant changes ahead of IPL 2026. The biggest of all is the trade that brought Sanju Samson to Chennai in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran — a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through the IPL ecosystem. Ruturaj Gaikwad continues as captain. Stephen Fleming remains as head coach.
With MS Dhoni still in the squad as a mentor and finisher, and Sanju Samson bringing match-winning experience at the top of the order, CSK have rebuilt with purpose. Tonight at Chepauk is where that new chapter officially begins.
The Raina Factor
Of all the names returning tonight, none carries more emotion than Suresh Raina.
Raina is CSK. His name and this franchise are inseparable. For years he was the first name on the team sheet — the player who walked out at number three and gave CSK fans that surge of confidence. His retirement left a gap that nobody could quite fill.
Seeing Raina lead the OG Super Kings at Chepauk tonight will be one of those goosebump moments in cricket. The crowd will roar — appropriately for an event called ROAR'26 — and for a few hours it will feel like the old days all over again.
CSK's IPL 2026 Campaign — What Comes Next
After tonight's celebrations, the focus shifts sharply to the cricket. IPL 2026 begins on March 28. CSK open their campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.
The Yellow Army will be hoping that the energy of ROAR'26 carries into the season. With a rebuilt squad, a hungry captain in Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the greatest finisher of all time still pulling on the yellow jersey, CSK have everything they need for a strong comeback.
Five titles. Countless memories. And tonight, one more unforgettable evening at Chepauk.
Whistle Podu. 🦁
IPL Bench Verdict
ROAR'26 is the kind of event that reminds you why cricket in India is more than just a sport. It is emotion, nostalgia, music, and community all rolled into one. CSK have set a new benchmark for how IPL franchises can connect with their fans.
If you are in Chennai tonight — you are in the right place. If you are watching from home, follow IPL Bench for live updates throughout the evening.
Key Facts at a Glance
Event Name: CSK ROAR'26
Date: Sunday March 22, 2026
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Gates Open: 2:00 PM IST
Main Event: 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM IST
Headline Performer: AR Rahman
OG Stars: Suresh Raina, Matthew Hayden, Murali Vijay, Dwayne
Bravo, S Badrinath
Current Stars: MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and
full CSK squad
Live Streaming: CSK App, chennaisuperkings.com, CSK YouTube
IPL 2026 Begins: March 28, 2026
Stay with IPL Bench for all the latest IPL 2026 news, match previews, fantasy tips, and analysis. Bookmark iplbench.com and follow us on social media for daily cricket updates.
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