Thank You Mr. IPL: Chennai Super Kings pay heartfelt tribute to Suresh Raina after retirement
India Today
Suresh Raina was part of all 4 trophy-winning campaigns of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Raina finishes as CSK's highest-run getter. The former India all-rounder announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on September 6.
Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, September 6 paid a heartfelt tribute to Suresh Raina after the former India cricketer announced retirement from all forms of the sport, including domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League. Raina, 35, took to social media to announce he is hanging up his boots from professional cricket in the country.
Fondly known as Chinna Thala (the mini leader), Suresh Raina played an integral role in Chennai Super Kings' success journey over the years in the IPL. Raina was part of all 4 of CSK's winning campaigns in the IPL. Raina remains CSK's highest run-getter, scoring 4687 runs in 176 matches for Chennai Super Kings from 2008 to 2021.
Raina thanked the Chennai Super Kings and the BCCI in his retirement message on social media. CSK came up with a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging Raina's contribution in their success over the years.
"The streets of Anbuden will never forget what Chinna Thala meant to each and every one of us! Thank You, Mr. IPL!" CSK said in a tweet.
It has been an absolute honour to represent my country & state UP. I would like to announce my retirement from all formats of Cricket. I would like to thank @BCCI, @UPCACricket, @ChennaiIPL, @ShuklaRajiv sir & all my fans for their support and unwavering faith in my abilities
Notably, Raina was MS Dhoni's trusted lieutenant in the IPL over the years. Raina also led Dhoni in a Champions League match in 2012 and led CSK as many as 5 times in the IPL.
Raina did not play the 2020 edition of the IPL as he returned home from the UAE due to personal reasons amid Covid-19 pandemic. It was also the first time CSK failed to make the play-offs in the history of the IPL. Raina went unsold in IPL 2022 auction following which CSK failed to make the top 4 once again.
