After Suresh Raina, a former cricketer for India announced his retirement from all forms of the game, including domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, Chennai Super Kings paid a poignant homage to him on Tuesday, September 6. The 35-year-old Raina announced on social media that he is retiring from international cricket.

Also read: Why Suresh Raina has retired from ‘all formats of cricket’

Suresh Raina, affectionately known as Chinna Thala (the small leader), was crucial to Chennai Super Kings’ IPL victories throughout the years. Raina participated in each of CSK’s four IPL championship campaigns. With 4687 runs scored in 176 games for Chennai Super Kings between 2008 and 2021, Raina is still the CSK player with the most runs scored.

“The one who was there when glory was etched in history! The one who made it happen! Thank You, Mr. IPL!” CSK tweeted.

In the IPL, Raina was notably MS Dhoni’s dependable deputy over time. In addition, Raina captained CSK up to five times in the IPL and Dhoni in a Champions League match in 2012.

In the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak, Raina returned from the UAE without participating in the 2020 IPL because of personal issues. Additionally, it was the first time in IPL history that CSK missed the playoffs. After Raina remained unsold in the IPL 2022 auction, CSK once more failed to finish in the top four.

Also read: India’s Suresh Raina announces retirement from ‘all formats of cricket’

Following Raina’s Tuesday announcement, former cricketers Irfan Pathan, Subramaniam Badrinath, and Amit Mishra showered appreciation on the left-handed batter.

When Chennai Super Kings were suspended, Raina took over as manager of the now-defunct Gujarat Lions for two seasons (2016 and 2017), guiding the Lions to the league’s top spot in 2016.

Also read: Who is Suresh Raina?

In 2018, Raina and MS Dhoni were reunited, and together they played a crucial part in the Chennai Super Kings’ dramatic comeback victory and third championship. For CSK, Raina scored a hundred and 33 fifty-sixes while also taking 24 wickets.

Notably, Raina announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020, just hours after MS Dhoni did the same.