Suresh Raina: Why He Is Called Mr. IPL?:–>Suresh Raina, a name that resonates with every Indian cricket fan, is often referred to as “Mr. IPL.” But why does he hold this prestigious title? Raina’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is nothing short of legendary. From his match-winning knocks to being the backbone of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), his impact on IPL is unparalleled.
Suresh Raina’s IPL Career: A Record-Breaking Journey
Debut and Early Years
Suresh Raina made his IPL debut in 2008 with Chennai Super Kings. From the very first season, he showcased his explosive batting style and emerged as a dependable middle-order batsman.
Consistency Across Seasons
Raina was one of the few players who scored 400+ runs in multiple consecutive IPL seasons. His ability to accelerate the innings and play fearless cricket made him a nightmare for bowlers.
| Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 16 | 421 | 38.27 | 142.22 |
| 2010 | 16 | 520 | 47.27 | 142.85 |
| 2013 | 18 | 548 | 42.15 | 150.13 |
| 2018 | 15 | 445 | 37.08 | 132.44 |
| Overall | 205 | 5528 | 32.51 | 136.76 |
Did you know? Suresh Raina was the first-ever player to score 5,000 runs in IPL history.
Unmatched Batting Performance in IPL
Explosive Middle-Order Batting
Raina’s aggressive batting in powerplay and middle overs made him an asset for CSK. His ability to shift gears and dominate spinners set him apart.
Best IPL Knocks by Suresh Raina
| Match | Year | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSK vs KXIP (Qualifier 2) | 2014 | 87 | 25 | 348.00 |
| CSK vs MI (Final) | 2010 | 57* | 35 | 162.85 |
| CSK vs KXIP (2013) | 2013 | 100* | 53 | 188.68 |
Fact: Raina played one of the most destructive innings in IPL history, scoring 87 off 25 balls against Kings XI Punjab in 2014!
Suresh Raina’s Impact on Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Played a crucial role in CSK’s 4 IPL title wins.
- Holds the record for most matches played for CSK.
- Strong chemistry with MS Dhoni, making CSK one of the most feared teams in IPL.
Raina’s loyalty to CSK earned him the nickname “Chinna Thala” (right-hand of Dhoni) from CSK fans.
Fielding Excellence: The Complete T20 Player
Raina wasn’t just a brilliant batsman but also an outstanding fielder.
Best Fielding Moments
- Stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Kieron Pollard (2018 IPL).
- Direct hit run-out of AB de Villiers (2015 IPL).
- Diving catches in slips, saving crucial runs in powerplays.
Trivia: Raina has taken over 100 catches in IPL, making him one of the best fielders in the tournament’s history.
Statistical Brilliance: Records That Prove His Greatness
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Most Consecutive 400+ Runs Seasons | 9 |
| First to Score 5000+ IPL Runs | Yes |
| Most Runs for CSK in IPL | 5528 |
| Most Catches in IPL | 109 |
Why Suresh Raina Was Missed in IPL 2025?
- Lack of Middle-Order Stability: CSK struggled to find a replacement for Raina’s consistency.
- Fan Backlash: CSK fans started #BringBackRaina trends on Twitter.
- Team’s Performance Drop: The absence of an experienced campaigner like Raina was evident.
Fact: Even after retirement, Raina remains one of the most talked-about IPL players.
What Is Suresh Raina Doing Now?
- Commentary & Broadcasting: Regular IPL and international cricket analyst.
- Business Ventures: Owns a sportswear brand and a restaurant chain.
- Charity Work: Actively involved in supporting young cricketers.
- T20 Leagues: Participates in foreign T20 leagues and exhibition matches.
Raina continues to contribute to Indian cricket in multiple ways!
Suresh Raina’s Influence on Young Cricketers
Many young Indian cricketers idolize Raina for his fearless batting and fitness. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Shubman Gill have often spoken about his impact on their careers.
“Raina Bhai has always been an inspiration for aggressive batting and fielding.” – Ruturaj Gaikwad
Conclusion: Why Mr. IPL Will Always Be Remembered?
Suresh Raina’s contribution to IPL is unparalleled. From his batting heroics to match-winning performances, fielding brilliance, and CSK’s dominance, Raina’s presence in IPL was magical. Even though he is no longer playing in IPL 2025, his legacy as “Mr. IPL” will live on forever.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why is Suresh Raina called Mr. IPL?
Suresh Raina earned the title “Mr. IPL” due to his consistent performances, record-breaking runs, and key role in CSK’s success. He was the first player to cross 5000 IPL runs and played match-winning knocks across multiple seasons.
2. What are Suresh Raina’s top IPL records?
- First to score 5000+ IPL runs
- Most consecutive 400+ runs seasons (9 times)
- Highest catches in IPL (109+ catches)
- Fastest 87 off 25 balls in IPL playoffs (2014)
3. Why is Suresh Raina not playing in IPL 2025?
Raina went unsold in IPL auctions post-2021 as franchises focused on younger players, despite fan campaigns like #BringBackRaina.
4. What is Suresh Raina doing now?
He is active in cricket commentary, business ventures, foreign T20 leagues, and youth cricket training.
5. What are Suresh Raina’s best IPL innings?
- 87 off 25 vs KXIP (2014 Playoffs) – One of IPL’s most explosive knocks
- 57 off 35 vs MI (2010 Final)* – Helped CSK win their first title
- 100 off 53 vs KKR (2018)* – Showcased his aggressive batting