A ‘blockbuster’ yellow reunion

Cricketing icons and Kollywood stars unite at the iconic MA Chidambaram stadium for a night of high-octane nostalgia, as MS Dhoni, the returning OG legends, and AR Rahman celebrate the enduring legacy of the yellow jersey

Over 20,000 passionate fans thronged the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, filling it with a sea of yellow. The reason? To celebrate the Chennai IPL team’s OG legends and current stars on a night soaked in nostalgia, revelry, music, and unfiltered emotion.

Thala, Chetta, and a sea of yellow

From the moment the gates opened, the stadium erupted with deafening chants of “Thala!” for MS Dhoni, and “Sanju!” and “Chetaa!” for new-to-the-team Sanju Samson. And it wasn’t just cricketers who amped up fans. Actors Sivakarthikeyan, Arjun Das, and Simran graced the occasion, while the performances of AR Rahman, Asal Kolaar, and Paal Dabba elevated energy levels.

The evening unfolded like a spectacle, and at the heart of the celebration was the reunion of veteran cricketers who’ve donned the yellow jersey, including Muthiah Muralidaran, Michael Hussey, Matthew Hayden, Dwayne Bravo, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, S Badrinath, Harbhajan Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Lakshmipathy Balaji, among others. They shared the field with the current squad led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Actor Sivakarthikeyan couldn’t express his amazement while speaking at the event. Addressing Dhoni, he said, “MSD Sir, I’ve seen you on television and from the stands. It’s the first time I’m meeting you in person; I’m a bit nervous. We’re not as cool as you, sir. Like millions, we love your cricket, but more than that, I love your leadership skills, sir. You’ve inspired millions, and I’m one among them.”

“Sir, in one of the seasons they asked you, ‘Are you going to retire?’ but you said definitely not. I expect the same answer every year, sir. You can play until 60 too, sir; with your fitness, it is easy. Adiye , the OG is back di !” he added.

SK about Sanju ‘Chetta’Speaking about Sanju Samson being drafted into the team, the actor said, “There’s one more excitement that has been added this year: our Sanju Chetta . Chetta , I hope you know about the Tamil Nadu and Kerala bond. Malayalam films become hits here, and now a cricketer coming from Kerala will become a blockbuster here.”

Open practice sessionThe open practice session saw Dhoni share heartwarming moments with Raina, Bravo, and Rayudu, while Gaikwad bowled to ‘Mr Cricket’ Hussey, who played his trademark shots. Additionally, the event honoured Samson, Dube, and Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre for their accomplishments.

Songs by AR Rahman at the event

• Jana Gana Mana ( Aayutha Ezhuthu )
• Nenjinile Nenjinile ( Uyire )
• Munbe Vaa ( Sillunu Oru Kaadhal )
• Mukkala Mukabula ( Kadhalan )
• Thalli Pogathey ( Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada )
• Nee Singam Dhan ( Pathu Thala ; dedicated to Dhoni by the composer)