The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) turned their pre-season event into a celebration of excellence as they honoured three World Cup-winning stars at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. In a moment that resonated deeply with fans, MS Dhoni personally presented special mementoes to Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and rising talent Ayush Mhatre.
Sharing glimpses of the ceremony, CSK captioned their social media post, “World champions honoured by the man himself,” capturing the pride and emotion surrounding the occasion. The tribute highlighted the franchise’s deep connection with Indian cricket’s success on the global stage.
Samson and Dube were key members of India’s triumphant campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where the team scripted history by defending their title with a commanding win over New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad. Samson’s journey was particularly inspiring.
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After missing early matches, he bounced back in style, delivering a match-winning 89 in the final and earning the Player of the Tournament award for his consistent performances in the knockout stages. Dube, meanwhile, played a crucial supporting role with impactful middle-order contributions, providing momentum at key moments. His ability to accelerate under pressure added balance to a side led by Suryakumar Yadav, ultimately helping India achieve a historic milestone on home soil.
Frame that carries the Yellove aura! 💛#WhistlePodu #Roar26 pic.twitter.com/XZ2e9f5R1D
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2026
World champions honoured by the man himself 🥳🏆#Roar26 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/eiy8oKoQZQ
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2026
Young sensation Mhatre also enjoyed a breakthrough year, leading India to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026. The teenager showcased remarkable composure, scoring a vital half-century in the final against England Under-19 cricket team as India secured a dominant 100-run win in Harare.
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The felicitation ceremony was part of CSK’s grand ‘ROAR 2026’ fan engagement event, which brought together former legends and current stars ahead of the IPL season. With momentum building, CSK will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30, followed by crucial fixtures against Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals in the opening phase.
