Mr. IPL's Finest: Suresh Raina’s 10 Best IPL Performances

Suresh Raina, fondly known as “Mr. IPL”, was the heartbeat of Chennai Super Kings for over a decade. His consistency, flair, and calmness under pressure made him a pillar of CSK’s success. From explosive starts to game-turning cameos, these 10 knocks define his IPL legacy.

1. 87 (25) vs Kings XI Punjab – IPL 2014 Qualifier A blitzkrieg that left the world stunned — even in a losing cause.
   Chasing 226, Raina came out with guns blazing. In just 25 balls, he smashed 12 fours and 6 sixes, racing to one of the fastest fifties in IPL playoffs. Though run out cruelly, it was an innings of pure aggression and elegance.
2. 100* (53) vs Kings XI Punjab – IPL 2013 His only IPL century — a knock full of class and composure.
   Raina played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings while ensuring the run rate never dipped. He accelerated at the right time, peppering the boundaries with effortless grace. A signature Raina masterclass.
3. 98 (55) vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2009 In the early years, this knock cemented his match-winner tag.
   Raina toyed with the RR attack, mixing technique with innovation. His footwork against spin and brute power against pace made the knock a complete package. CSK won comfortably and Raina walked away with accolades.
4. 84 (46) vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2014 Final A brave fightback on the biggest stage.
   When CSK lost quick wickets, Raina took the fight to KKR. With elegant cover drives and risky slogs, he nearly pulled off a miraculous chase. Though CSK lost, Raina’s innings was the silver lining.
5. 83* (57) vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2010 An unbeaten knock that won CSK their maiden IPL title.
   Raina held the innings together in the final, absorbing pressure and delivering timely boundaries. His maturity under pressure was vital in CSK posting a defendable total and lifting their first ever trophy.
6. 81 (33) vs Delhi Daredevils – IPL 2011 A short yet savage display of hitting power.
   Raina turned the match in a few overs with a flurry of boundaries. He showed no mercy, using sweeps, pulls, and flicks with surgical precision. A total domination of Delhi’s bowling unit.
7. 73* (50) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2018 A calm finisher in a crunch playoff game.
   Raina guided CSK’s tricky chase in Qualifier 1 with poise. He paced the innings beautifully and ensured Dhoni didn’t need to come in under pressure. A veteran knock in a must-win encounter.
8. 66 (42) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2011 Final Raina's bat fired in the big final — again.
   In another IPL final, Raina rose to the occasion. He took on RCB’s bowling early, giving CSK the momentum that lasted till the end. His knock ensured CSK lifted their second IPL title.
9. 61 (34) vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2012 Smashed MI out of the contest with fearless flair.
   Raina found gaps and cleared ropes with ease. His ability to shift gears midway was on full display. It was an innings that showcased his utility in both anchoring and accelerating roles.
10. 54 (29) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2014 The finisher’s touch in a crunch group-stage game.
    With CSK needing a late surge, Raina delivered with a quick-fire fifty. His effortless timing and signature lofted drives ensured Chennai reached a strong total. He once again proved why he was CSK’s crisis man.

Conclusion

Suresh Raina’s IPL career is a tribute to loyalty, consistency, and fearless cricket. Whether in group stages or finals, he always stepped up when CSK needed him the most. These 10 innings are more than just numbers — they’re moments that made him “Mr. IPL.”

*Disclaimer: This article is fan-curated and based on public match data up to IPL 2025. All stats are sourced from official IPL archives and Cricinfo.