Introduction
Suresh Raina, affectionately known as "Chinna Thala" among Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, is one of Indian cricket’s most dependable, stylish, and underrated cricketers. Born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Raina rose through the ranks of Indian domestic cricket to become a vital cog in India’s middle-order. From his aggressive batting style to his electric fielding and part-time off-spin, Raina contributed in every aspect of the game.
Despite often being overshadowed by bigger stars like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, or Sachin Tendulkar, Raina carved his niche through sheer consistency, dedication, and sportsmanship. His achievements across ODIs, T20Is, and IPL prove that he’s a legend in his own right.
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Early Life and Cricketing Journey
Suresh Raina comes from a Kashmiri Pandit family and is the youngest of five siblings. His cricketing journey began at the Guru Gobind Singh Sports College in Lucknow. In 2000, at just 14 years old, Raina was selected for the U-16 team. His talent quickly earned him a place in the India U-19 team, and by 2004, he had made his debut in First-Class cricket for Uttar Pradesh.
In the same year, he played in the U-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh alongside future stars like Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu. His performance caught the selectors’ attention, leading to his selection for India’s ODI squad in 2005.
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International Debut and Early Struggles
Raina made his ODI debut on July 30, 2005, against Sri Lanka. His debut was forgettable as he was dismissed for a golden duck by Muttiah Muralitharan. However, Raina never let failures define him. Over the years, he sharpened his skills and returned stronger.
Though initially struggling to cement his place in the playing XI due to competition from Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif, Raina made every opportunity count. His ability to bat in the middle order and finish games made him indispensable in limited-overs cricket.
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Batting Prowess and Milestones
Suresh Raina was a fearless left-handed batsman known for his ability to accelerate the scoring rate. He became the first Indian cricketer to score centuries in all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I. Here are some of his key batting milestones:
ODI Cricket:
Matches: 226
Runs: 5,615
Avg: 35.31
SR: 93.51
100s/50s: 5/36
T20I Cricket:
Matches: 78
Runs: 1605
Avg: 29.18
SR: 134.87
100s/50s: 1/5
Test Cricket:
Matches: 18
Runs: 768
Avg: 26.48
100s/50s: 1/7
Notably, Raina scored a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2010.
Raina's ability to anchor the innings or hit big shots under pressure made him a valuable asset, particularly in ODIs and T20Is.
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2011 ICC World Cup Triumph
One of Raina’s most memorable contributions came during the 2011 ICC World Cup, which India won under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Though not always part of the starting XI, Raina delivered in crucial moments:
In the quarter-final against Australia, Raina partnered with Yuvraj Singh to chase down a tricky total.
Again, in the semi-final against Pakistan, Raina’s unbeaten 36 helped India post a competitive total.
His contributions, though not headline-grabbing, were match-defining. The World Cup victory remains a pinnacle of his international career.
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Chennai Super Kings and IPL Legacy
If international cricket showcased Raina's reliability, the Indian Premier League (IPL) revealed his flamboyance and leadership. Playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under MS Dhoni’s leadership, Raina became an IPL legend:
Matches: 205
Runs: 5,528
Avg: 32.52
SR: 136.76
100s/50s: 1/39
Raina was the first batsman to score 5,000 runs in IPL history and is still among the top run-scorers. His consistency, explosive batting, and fielding brilliance earned him the nickname "Mr. IPL."
In CSK, Raina was Dhoni's trusted lieutenant, often captaining in his absence and always delivering when it mattered. He was part of CSK's three IPL title victories (2010, 2011, 2018) and helped the team maintain its reputation as the most consistent franchise.
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Fielding and All-Round Contributions
Apart from batting, Raina was an electric fielder. His sharp reflexes, quick throws, and diving stops saved numerous runs. He was often stationed at backward point or covers and had a knack for taking spectacular catches.
As a part-time off-spinner, Raina chipped in with key overs in the middle stages, particularly in T20s. His bowling stats:
ODIs: 36 wickets
T20Is: 13 wickets
He brought a perfect balance to the team with his all-round ability.
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Retirement and Post-Cricket Life
On August 15, 2020, just hours after MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket, Raina also announced his retirement. The duo had shared numerous iconic moments, and this joint decision reflected their close bond.
Post-retirement, Raina has taken up roles as a cricket commentator, analyst, and occasionally participates in charity matches. He also focuses on his business ventures and runs the Gracia Raina Foundation, named after his daughter, which supports maternal and child wellness.
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Legacy and Impact
Though Raina never received the media spotlight as intensely as some of his peers, his contribution to Indian cricket is undeniable:
He was India’s middle-order savior in many tight chases.
He helped redefine the standards of fielding in Indian cricket.
He inspired a generation of young cricketers to be aggressive yet responsible.
His performances in the IPL transformed the league and set a benchmark for future Indian T20 stars.
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Awards and Recognition
Arjuna Award (2018) for his contribution to Indian cricket.
Member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team.
Captain of Gujarat Lions in IPL (2016–2017).
One of the few players to score centuries in all three formats.
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Personal Life
Suresh Raina is married to Priyanka Chaudhary, and they have two children. Beyond cricket, Raina enjoys singing and is known for his philanthropic work, especially in rural and maternal health.
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Conclusion
Suresh Raina’s journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the heights of global cricket is a testament to his determination, talent, and humility. A cricketer who never hogged the limelight but always stood up in crucial moments—Raina is truly one of Indian cricket’s most cherished players.
Whether it was the international stage or the IPL battlefield, Raina played with passion, pride, and perseverance. His legacy, especially as "Mr. IPL," continues to inspire millions of young cricketers across India and the world.
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