Suresh Raina Inducted into CSK Hall of Fame Amid IPL Career Highlights
Suresh Raina's Journey in IPL
Suresh Raina's illustrious IPL journey faced an unexpected halt when he went unsold during the IPL 2022 mega-auction. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made the surprising decision to release him prior to the auction, and ultimately, no franchise showed interest in acquiring him. Fans had hoped for his return to CSK, but that did not materialize. Instead, Raina transitioned to a commentary role for IPL 2022 and announced his retirement from Indian cricket later that year. To date, he has not returned to CSK in any capacity.
Four years after his release, CSK honored their former vice-captain by inducting him into their Hall of Fame during a pre-season event on March 22. Raina joined CSK before the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and remained with the team until 2015, even captaining the Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. He was re-signed by CSK ahead of the IPL 2018 mega-auction.
Raina withdrew from IPL 2020 due to personal matters but returned for IPL 2021, only to be dropped in the latter matches. CSK released him before the IPL 2022 mega-auction. With a total of 4,687 runs, Raina ranks as CSK's second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, boasting a century and 33 half-centuries. He served as a long-time deputy to MS Dhoni and led the team during Dhoni's absence. Since 2022, Raina has been involved in commentary.
Matthew Hayden Joins Hall of Fame
Matthew Hayden also inducted
Matthew Hayden was another cricketer honored with induction into the CSK Hall of Fame. The left-handed batsman played for CSK from 2008 to 2010, accumulating 1,107 runs for the franchise.
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In 2009, Hayden became the first CSK player to win the Orange Cap, scoring 572 runs in just 12 matches. He added 346 runs in IPL 2010, contributing to CSK's first IPL title victory against the Mumbai Indians. Currently, Hayden is part of the coaching staff for the Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026, marking his debut coaching role in the league.
CSK is set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30, followed by matches against the Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals on April 3, 5, and 11, respectively.