Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has been one of the most entertaining players in the Indian Premier League. The batting all-rounder has given so many match-winning performances for Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions throughout his IPL career from 2008 to 2021.
Also known as 'Mr IPL', Suresh Raina is the fifth highest run-scorer of all time in the IPL, amassing 5528 runs from 205 matches in his IPL career. He is also the first cricketer to reach the milestone of 5000 runs in the cash-rich league.
Raina has played a monumental role in CSK and has been a key player for the franchise over the years. However, he joined Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016 and 2017 after CSK faced a two-year ban from the tournament. But later went on to play for CSK, featuring in his last edition in 2021, where CSK ended up winning their fourth title.
Why is Suresh Raina known as Chinna Thala?
Suresh Raina has shared a special bond with MS Dhoni during his playing days for India and CSK. The southpaw has been a deputy for Dhoni in the IPL and has also captained CSK in few matches. He was kind of a right hand to Dhoni in the IPL and offered to never let his captain down.
In his prime, Raina was a kind of a batter that no bowler would want to bowl. He was also given a nickname of 'Chinna Thala' by the CSK fans. The name resembles most with MS Dhoni’s title of 'Thala'.
In Tamil, Chinna means junior and Thala means a leader, which means that Suresh Raina is regarded as the junior leader for CSK after MS Dhoni. The title has been given to Raina due to his bonding with Dhoni and also his ability to lead the side.
Suresh Raina IPL Records
First player to score 5000 runs in IPL
Suresh Raina is the first player ever to reach the milestone of 5000 runs in the IPL. The left-hander took 173 innings to reach this milestone and will be remembered as a first cricketer to do so.
Second most catches in the IPL
After Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina is the second player in the list to take most catches in the IPL history. This also tells a lot about his fitness and fielding skills. The former cricketer has taken 109 catches throughout his IPL career.
Most runs in IPL playoffs
Suresh Raina has been a big match player, which can be seen through his record for scoring most runs in IPL playoffs. The southpaw batter has amassed 714 runs in 24 innings in the playoffs at an average of 37.57 and strike rate of 155.21.
Most runs for CSK
Suresh Raina is the highest run-scorer of all time for CSK. The left-hander has scored 5529 runs in 205 matches for CSK, jointly in IPL and the Champions League T20.
Highest score by a batter in powerplay in an IPL match
Suresh Raina’s 87 off 25-ball against Kings XI Punjab still remains the highest score by a batter in powerplay in an IPL match.
