[WATCH] MS Dhoni Sparks Frenzy At Chepauk During CSK Roar Event Ahead of IPL 2026

MS Dhoni was greeted with an enthusiastic reception by fans at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Roar event held at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Sunday, March 22. The event began with a practice session, and several former CSK stars are also set to make special appearances.

Fans went wild as Dhoni stepped onto the field for practice, showering the five-time IPL-winning captain with loud cheers and chants.

That entry and that pose with all the trophies 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Hm9kJOcCGV

— Middle Stump Cricket (@MiddleCricket) March 22, 2026

MS Dhoni is set to play his 17th season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Under the new IPL retention rules, the five-time champions retained the veteran wicketkeeper-batter as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Dhoni had returned to captain the team in IPL 2025 after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with an elbow injury following five matches.

Despite his leadership, CSK struggled throughout the season, finishing last with just four wins from 14 games. Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17.

“I See Him at No. 8”– Former CSK Star on MS Dhoni’s Batting Spot in IPL 2026

Former India and CSK batter Robin Uthappa believes that IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni’s final season in the league. He indicated that the veteran is likely to bat at No. 8 in his farewell year. Highlighting Dhoni’s dual role as mentor and player for CSK, Uthappa said on JioHotstar (via India Today):

“I think you can see MS Dhoni being a little more hands-off. IPL 2026 is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this year. I don’t see him batting at number seven. I see him batting at number eight. Knowing that he is on his way out, he wants to wean himself out. I think he will do that. Only then will we see the true potential of Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain.”

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