The Chennai Super Kings’ latest philanthropic gesture has become one of the most widely discussed stories ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise, owned by India Cements, has reportedly donated ₹3.2 crore to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for the construction of four new ghee storage tanks at the Tirumala temple.

Ghee is a crucial ingredient in the preparation of the world-famous Tirumala laddus, and the storage requirement has been a growing concern for temple authorities. According to officials, the need for additional tanks was immediate, prompting CSK’s swift and generous response. Although the contribution was initially kept low-key, news broke on social media and quickly went viral, sparking positive reactions from fans across the country.

CSK’s long-standing tradition of giving back to Tirumala

This is not the first time CSK has supported temple infrastructure. In 2021, the franchise donated ₹12 crore for the development of the Boondi Potu, the laddu manufacturing centre. Over the years, CSK’s management has made similar contributions roughly every two years, strengthening its reputation for meaningful community and religious philanthropy beyond the cricket field.

Notably, team owners and players have often visited the Tirumala temple after major victories, including the IPL 2023 triumph. However, large-scale donations such as these have added another dimension to the franchise’s identity, earning admiration even from non-CSK supporters.

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Strong buzz ahead of IPL 2026

Alongside their charitable work, CSK’s cricketing decisions have also made headlines. After a disappointing IPL 2025 season, the franchise has undergone a significant overhaul. The trade window saw Sanju Samson join CSK from Rajasthan Royals, while star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and English all-rounder Sam Curran moved the other way. The team has also added exciting talents like Baby ABD Brevis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Matre, and Urjil Patel, forming a refreshed and dynamic core.

With ₹43.40 crore available for the upcoming mini-auction, CSK is expected to target high-quality all-rounders to balance the squad. As discussions around both their donations and their revamped lineup continue to trend, the franchise enters IPL 2026 under renewed spotlight, on and off the field.