Rahul Dravid attends CSK Academy Event ahead of IPL 2026, Reason Revealed

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As the IPL 2026 starts on Saturday (March 28), former Rajasthan Royals coach Rahul Dravid was spotted at a Chennai Super Kings academy.

The Indian cricket icon was present at the fourth anniversary bash of the Super Kings Academy in Thoraipakkam, Chennai.

Joining the star-studded lineup were heavyweights like Mrs. Rupa Gurunath (Whole-Time Director, Chennai Super Kings), KS Viswanathan (MD and CEO, Chennai Super Kings), Sundar Raman (ex-IPL COO and CSK Advisor), Louis Mariano (Director of Cricket, Super Kings Academy), and Sriram Krishnamurthy (Global Head Coach, Super Kings Academy).

The festivities doubled as a global milestone celebration, spotlighting the academy's explosive growth to over 45 centers spanning India and beyond-nurturing raw talent from Mumbai's maidans to international pitches.

Dravid didn't just attend; he dove in, chatting with eager students, handing out prestigious awards, and unveiling a gleaming commemorative plaque that marks the academy's stellar legacy. His words?

"You're incredibly lucky to train in this world-class Super Kings setup. Even if the big leagues don't call, cricket teaches priceless lessons-mastering practice, forging lifelong friendships, tasting victory and bouncing back from setbacks. It all shapes you into a stronger, better human," Dravid said, addressing the kids.

CSK Academy Award Winners

Shining brightest among the awardees: Kiran Karthikeyan, clinching the VB Chandrasekhar Cricketer of the Year (Boys), and Neha Yuvaraj, reigning as DJ Gokulakrishnan Cricketer of the Year (Girls). With CSK's storied history of breeding champions like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesha Pathirana, events like this promise the next wave of Indian cricket fireworks.