Who is known as Mr IPL?

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Suresh Raina is known as “Mr. IPL” because of his outstanding performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been the match-winner for his teams, especially his initial IPL team Chennai Super Kings/CSK, and is now arguably one of the most cherished IPL players. Known for his aggressive batting, and off-spin and amazing fielding Suresh was born on 27th November 1986 in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Suresh Raina has its roots in the Kashmiri Pandit community. Each of his family members shifted from Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh during the forced migration of the Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s. Raina’s father, Trilokchand Raina, worked in the military, while his mother, Parvesh Raina, took care of the family.

Raina developed a passion for cricket at a young age. In 1998, he moved to Lucknow to join the Guru Gobind Singh Sports College, where he practiced and improved his cricket skills. He quickly impressed his coaches and became the captain of the Uttar Pradesh Under-16 team. By the age of 15, he was selected for India’s Under-19 team and played in England. His half-century performances in England caught the eye of selectors, and his cricket career began to take off.

Domestic Cricket

Raina made his debut in the Ranji Trophy for Uttar Pradesh in 2003. Although his start was modest, he kept improving in the following seasons. In 2005, he made his List A debut, showing his potential as a top player. In the 2005-06 Ranji Trophy season, Raina’s performances were excellent, scoring 620 runs in just six games. This helped solidify his reputation as one of the most promising young cricketers in the country.

The Birth of “Mr. IPL” in the Indian Premier League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) began in 2008, and this was when Raina’s cricket journey reached new heights. He was picked by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a team captained by MS Dhoni. Raina quickly became one of the most important players in the team, known for his fearless batting, sharp fielding, and ability to perform under pressure.

Raina was soon nicknamed “Mr. IPL” because of his consistency. He was the first player to score over 5,000 runs in the IPL, a record that reflects his impact on the tournament. His most memorable moment came in the 2010 IPL final when his crucial innings helped CSK win their first-ever IPL title. His fielding was also recognized, and he won the “Best Fielder” award from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2010.

Raina’s contributions were essential to CSK’s success in the IPL, and he played a major role in their title wins in 2011, 2012, and 2018. Because of his consistency, he was often included in ESPNcricinfo’s IPL XI, a list of the best players in the league.

Leading Gujarat Lions

In 2016, when CSK was suspended for two seasons, Raina was signed by the Gujarat Lions and made the captain. Even with a new team, Raina’s performance remained top-notch. In the 2016 season, he scored 399 runs in 15 innings, continuing to prove why he was one of the IPL’s best players.

Raina’s IPL Records and Achievements

Suresh Raina’s IPL career is filled with many records:

He was the first player to score over 5,000 runs in the IPL.
He holds the record for the most catches in IPL history (107 catches).
Raina was the second player, after Chris Gayle, to hit 100 sixes in the IPL.
He was named in the all-time IPL XI by ESPNcricinfo for his consistent performances.

These achievements make it clear that Raina is one of the best players in IPL history.

International Cricket Career

While Raina made his name in the IPL, he also had a successful international cricket career. He debuted for India in 2005 and became known for his ability to bat in the middle order. Raina achieved a rare feat by becoming the first Indian player to score a century in all three formats of the game—Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

One of his most famous international innings was his century against South Africa in the 2010 T20 World Cup. Raina also played a key role in India’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup win. In the semi-final match against Pakistan, his calm and composed 36* was crucial to India’s victory.

Though Raina struggled with consistency in Test cricket, especially against fast bowlers, he remained a valuable player in limited-overs formats. He was part of India’s winning squad in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy as well.

Retirement from International Cricket

On August 15, 2020, Raina retired from all formats of international cricket, just minutes after his CSK teammate and captain MS Dhoni also announced his retirement. Raina’s decision surprised many fans, but it showed the close bond he shared with Dhoni. Raina thanked the nation and expressed pride in playing alongside Dhoni and for India.

Life After Retirement and Commentary Role

After stepping away from international cricket, Raina moved into a new role as a cricket commentator. He used his deep knowledge of the game to provide insights during IPL matches, helping fans understand strategies and performances better.

Raina also continued playing in franchise cricket and took part in the Road Safety World Series league, a tournament that raises awareness about road safety.

In addition to cricket, Raina focused on charitable activities through his foundation, which helps underprivileged children. His contribution to society shows that he is not only a great cricketer but also a person who cares deeply about giving back to the community.

Personal Life

Suresh Raina married Priyanka Chaudhary in 2015, and they have two children together. Raina is a family-oriented man and is known for his love and dedication to his family. In 2020, Raina even pulled out of the IPL to be with his family during a personal crisis, showing that family always comes first for him.

In 2023, Raina ventured into the food business by opening an Indian restaurant in Amsterdam. The restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine, and it reflects Raina’s interest in showcasing Indian culture globally.

The Legacy of Mr. IPL

Suresh Raina’s legacy as “Mr. IPL” is unmatched. He has set the standard for excellence in the IPL, inspiring countless young cricketers. His records in batting, and fielding, and his ability to handle pressure make him one of the greatest players in the league’s history.

Beyond his runs and catches, Raina’s legacy is also about how he played the game with passion, sportsmanship, and commitment. He was a team player who always gave his best, whether it was for India, Chennai Super Kings, or Gujarat Lions.

Suresh Raina’s impact on Indian cricket will be remembered for generations to come. His fearless batting, quick scoring ability, and brilliant fielding have left a lasting impression on the sport. The title “Mr. IPL” is not just about numbers; it represents Raina’s spirit, dedication, and love for the game.

Suresh Raina will always be remembered as one of India’s finest cricketers, a legend of the IPL, and a role model for young players. Whether it was his six-hitting ability, match-saving knocks, or incredible fielding efforts, Raina gave everything to the game he loved. His journey from a young boy in Uttar Pradesh to become “Mr. IPL” is truly an inspiration for cricket fans around the world.