Chepauk has seen countless big nights, but this one felt different. There wasn’t any IPL match or anything. It was about memory. About going back to the names that built Chennai Super Kings (CSK) into what they are today.
At the Roar ’26 fan event on Sunday, CSK officially inducted Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden into the franchise’s inaugural Hall of Fame. It was an emotional moment for every CSK fan, who saw the franchise lift seven trophies (five IPL and 2 CLT20s).
Raina and Hayden honoured as CSK celebrate their legacy
If there is one name that defines CSK after MS Dhoni, it is Suresh Raina. From 2008 to 2021, he wasn’t just a mainstay; he was the heartbeat. Four IPL titles, two Champions League wins, and 5529 runs in yellow. He is known as ‘Mr IPL’ and spent his entire career at CSK (apart from two seasons when CSK weren’t there).
Known as ‘Chinna Thala’, Raina’s presence is still huge at Chepauk. His 234-run campaign in the 2014 Champions League, where he won Player of the Tournament, and his ability to deliver in big moments made him indispensable during CSK’s most successful phase. Only Dhoni has made more T20 runs at Chepauk than Raina’s 1593.
Matthew Hayden, on the other hand, was part of it in the early years. The aggression at the top, the dominance in 2009 when he scored 572 runs to win the Orange Cap, and his role in the 2010 title win laid the foundation. In just three seasons, he scored 1117 runs and became one of the first overseas players to truly contribute massively for CSK. The franchise took special permission from the Gujarat Titans (GT) to allow Hayden at the event, as the Australian has joined GT as batting coach for this season.
The evening itself had a bit of everything. Former players like Muttiah Muralitharan, Mike Hussey, S Badrinath and Ambati Rayudu were present, sharing the stage with the current squad. MS Dhoni also honoured India’s recent T20 World Cup winners, including Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson. Ayush Mhatre also received a momento for leading India to a terrific Under-19 World Cup win.
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