Suresh Raina wanted to play IPL but CSK didn't feel…

Suresh Raina, fondly dubbed ‘Mr. IPL’, amassing 4,687 runs in 176 matches during his 12-year stint with the Chennai Super Kings, faced an unceremonious exit from the franchise ahead of IPL 2022.

Acquired in the 2008 mega-auction, he remained a cornerstone of the team until 2015 and rejoined upon CSK’s return in 2018. Serving as MS Dhoni’s deputy, he led the side in Dhoni’s absence and missed zero games from 2008 to 2015, embodying an unwavering commitment to the 'Yellow Army.'

The Unceremonious Exit

In contrast to his run-hitting ability, Raina’s final years with CSK were marred by uncertainty. After retiring from international cricket alongside Dhoni in 2020, he briefly left the IPL 2020 UAE camp citing personal reasons.

Though retained for IPL 2021, he was dropped from the playing XI for the first time, even warming the bench during the final. Ahead of the 2022 mega-auction, CSK released him, and Raina went unsold, marking an abrupt end to his IPL career without a farewell.

Raina’s Candid Admission

Two years later, Raina broke his silence. Speaking to Lallantop, he acknowledged his desire to continue playing: “To be honest, I did want to play, and that’s why I put my name in the auction.” The heartbreaking revelation battered thousands of fans who wished for Raina to continue, especially given the dismal form of the team in the 2025 edition.

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However, in the same talks, Raina dismissed bitterness over his release: “MS Dhoni is playing, it’s good. He should play. Why will I be sad?” Raina then transitioned to commentary and retired from Indian cricket in 2022 but remains active in franchise leagues.

CSK’s Tough Call: Form Over Loyalty

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath explained the franchise’s difficult decision, citing team dynamics and form. “Of course, it was very difficult for us not to have Raina. But team composition depends on the form and kind of team any team would like to have. That’s why we thought he may not fit into this team,” he said in a CSK YouTube video.

Raina’s Unmatched IPL Record

Raina retired as IPL’s fourth-highest run-scorer (5,528 runs in 205 matches) and CSK’s all-time leading batter, surpassing Dhoni’s 4,595 runs. Further, his 2016–17 Gujarat Lions captaincy stint included a playoff berth, though the team faltered afterwards.

Despite his abrupt exit, Raina’s CSK legacy remains unmatched, with no other batter crossing 3,000 runs for the franchise.

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As Raina thrives in his commentary role, his departure underscores IPL’s ruthless evolution, where loyalty often bows to strategy. For CSK fans, however, 'Chinna Thala' will forever symbolise the golden era of yellow dominance.