Sakshi Dhoni and Suresh Raina (Image credit: Agencies) NEW DELHI: Suresh Raina has long been a mainstay of Chennai Super Kings and has played a key role in the franchise’s triumphs over the years. Raina, fondly known as Mr. IPL among fans, was inducted into the inaugural CSK Hall of Fame. The franchise felicitated his immense contribution during a pre-season fan event at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
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CSK is organizing a fan engagement event in Chepauk ahead of IPL 2026The fans erupted in cheers for Raina – popularly called Chinna Thala – as he went up for the award. Among those present was MS Dhoni’s wife who added a light-hearted moment to the occasion.As Raina stepped forward, Dhoni’s wife shouted, “Gracia ke papa”.Raina’s daughter Gracia was born in 2016, while his son Rio was born in 2020.Raina boasts an impressive IPL record having played 205 matches and scored 5,528 runs at an average of 32.51, including one century and 39 fifties.CSK have won five IPL titles — 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023 — with Raina being a part of four of those triumphs, all under Dhoni’s leadership.CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
