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CSK thanks KKR Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad as ex CSK stars join Roar 2026 event in Chennai while KKR fans criticise Dwayne Bravo for his active role.
Dwayne Bravo and MS Dhoni at CSK (PTI)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) put up a message of appreciation for rivals Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad for their ‘support’ after each of the three teams’ coaching staff members attended the five-time champions’ pre-season event in Chennai on Sunday (March 22).
Dwayne Bravo (KKR’s mentor), Matthew Hayden (GT’s batting coach), Parthiv Patel (GT’s assistant coach), and Muttiah Muralitharan (SRH’s spin bowling coach) were all part of former CSK teams. The Chennai-based franchise’s ‘Roar 2026’ event saw them play cricket against the current team, alongside performances from artists like AR Rahman, as well as felicitation for some of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup winners.
Hayden and Suresh Raina were also inducted into CSK’s Hall of Fame.
“We appreciate @KKRiders @gujarat_titans @SunRisers for their support It was lovely celebrating the evening with Dwayne Bravo, Matthew Hayden, Parthiv Patel and Muttiah Muralitharan ” CSK wrote on X.
While Hayden, Patel and Muralitharan were mostly spared the criticism, KKR’s fans were clearly unhappy with Bravo, who not only attended the event but also took an active part in it, even singing a few songs. He still is their highest-ever wicket-taker with 154 scalps to his name in just 130 matches over an 11-year-long career. The closest active CSK player to his tally is Noor Ahmed, with 24.
In comparison, he has only been with KKR for the past two years, signed as a mentor replacement for Gautam Gambhir. Now India men’s head coach, Gambhir, was more passionate with his rivalries, particularly with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and CSK.
Although KKR and CSK are not historical rivals with animosity, they are still among the two best teams in the IPL. Something like this would be unimaginable in older sporting leagues like the English Premier League.
But the lines of rivalry have always been blurry in the IPL. Considering it’s still a relatively young competition, built up as a private entity and not developed naturally, the rivalries in Ranji Trophy are said to be more fierce.
March 22, 2026, 23:42 IST
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