CSK Unveils Hall of Fame, Honours Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden at Roar ’26 Celebration
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have introduced a prestigious Hall of Fame initiative to honour legendary players who have significantly contributed to the franchise’s remarkable journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The franchise formally inducted two iconic cricketers, Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden, as the inaugural members of this elite group.
Their induction was officially announced on Sunday during the franchise’s fan engagement programme Roar ’26, held at the historic MA Chidambaram Stadium, popularly known as Chepauk.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Chinna Thala’ by CSK supporters, Raina remains one of the most celebrated players in the franchise’s history.
The left-handed batter is the highest run-scoring Indian cricketer for Chennai Super Kings, having amassed 5,529 runs in 205 matches over 13 seasons between 2008 and 2021.
Maintaining an average of 32.52 and an impressive strike rate of 136.76, Raina played a pivotal role in strengthening CSK’s middle-order batting lineup with his dependable performances.
He was a key member of four title-winning squads that lifted the IPL trophy in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021.
Apart from his batting excellence, Raina also showcased his all-round abilities by picking up 25 wickets and completing 108 catches, underlining his value as a dynamic fielder and part-time bowler.
He also contributed to CSK’s triumphs in the Champions League T20 tournaments in 2010 and 2014.
One of Raina’s most memorable seasons came in 2014, when he delivered outstanding performances and received the Player of the Tournament award after scoring 234 runs in the competition.
His consistency and match-winning contributions played a major role in establishing CSK as one of the most dominant teams in IPL history.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden may have had a shorter stint with CSK compared to Raina, but his impact was equally significant.
Representing Chennai Super Kings in 32 matches between 2008 and 2010, Hayden scored 1,117 runs at an average of 36.90 and a strike rate of 137.52.
His most remarkable season came in 2009, when he accumulated 572 runs and became the first CSK player to secure the prestigious Orange Cap for being the tournament’s highest run-scorer.
Hayden was also part of the historic CSK squad that clinched the franchise’s maiden IPL championship in 2010.
The Roar ’26 fan event at Chepauk also turned into a nostalgic gathering as several former CSK stars reunited to celebrate the franchise’s legacy.
Among the prominent attendees were Dwayne Bravo, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ambati Rayudu, Harbhajan Singh, Murali Vijay, Parthiv Patel, Joginder Sharma, Shadab Jakati and Subramaniam Badrinath, making the occasion a memorable reunion for fans and players alike.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Chennai Super Kings will begin their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign with a match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, as they aim to add another successful chapter to their illustrious legacy.
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