Suresh Raina in CSK

Suresh Raina is known as Mr. IPL. He has been one of the biggest constants of the IPL. His consistency has often left fans spellbound. Raina has been synonymous with CSK’s success. But the past couple of years hasn’t been kind on Raina and CSK as well. He did not feature for the yellow brigade in IPL 2020. While CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, first time since the inception of IPL. We at StumpsandBails will answer all questions related to Suresh Raina in CSK in this article.

What does Suresh Raina mean to CSK?

Suresh Raina fondly called the “Chinna Thala” [holds the record of most matches, most runs, most 50+ scores, most boundaries, and most catches] for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He is the adopted son of Chennai and is looked up to as a hero by the CSK fans.

Raina has played [164 games for CSK, scoring 4527 runs at a strike rate of 137.34]. His numbers are right up there with the very best. Chinna Thala Raina is the [the only player in the history of IPL to have scored 370+ runs in every season of the IPL] he has played. Raina is invaluable to CSK. 

We saw how CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs first time in the history of IPL. It was largely owing to [absence of Raina at number 3]. CSK tried plenty of options but none provided the assurance and consistency which Raina does. Chinna Thala Raina is a completely different beast in yellow! 

Raina has featured in all 100+ victories for CSK. This shows how important Suresh Raina is to CSK. Which CSK fan can ever forget Raina’s 25 balls 87 (Strike Rate of 348) against KXIP in Qualifier 2 of 2014. It is an unbroken record for a batsman scoring more than 50 runs in an innings.

But can Raina make a comeback?

Raina was not part of CSK in IPL 2020. It was rumoured that he may not play for CSK in IPL 2021. But the CSK team has retained Raina in their squad for this season. Raina scored 92 runs in 4 matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He has not been in great form for the last couple of years. Raina has retired from international cricket too. All these factors have contributed to Raina’s form getting dipped. It will be interesting to see how Raina strikes back for CSK.

Where does the future stand for Raina and CSK?

The average age of CSK’s squad is 30. They will surely go for young players in the next mega auction. It will probably be the last season for CSK legends like Raina, Dhoni, Bravo, and Du Plessis. 

Both Raina and CSK will be hoping for one last championship win together! It will be a fitting end to their legacy!

Also read, What does Chennai Super Kings Strongest XI looks like this year