On the cricket pitch, many players have forged enduring friendships. One such strong friendship exists between Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni. Fans of CSK refer to Dhoni and Raina as "Thala" and "Chinna Thala," respectively. In Tamil, the words "Chinna Thala" and "Thala" both refer to the leader's right hand. Both Dhoni and Raina rose to prominence in cricket at the top level despite having modest beginnings in little places. Let us look at the best Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni friendship moments.

1. Retiring Together

In his characteristic fashion, MS Dhoni shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from limited-overs cricket on a tranquil August 15th evening in 2020. About seven years after quitting playing Test cricket, the man who guided India to victory at the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy quietly retired from international cricket. The former captain of India ended his remarkable international career. If Dhoni's retirement surprised the crowd, what followed around 30 minutes later was something nobody had anticipated. Announcing his retirement from international cricket was Suresh Raina, who had been a key member of the Chennai Super Kings team and was 33 at the time.

2. Partnership In The 2015 World Cup Against Zimbabwe

India and Zimbabwe squared off in the ODI World Cup 2015 group-stage encounter. With to Brendan Taylor's century, Zimbabwe's opening batting score of 287 was respectable. India's response, which saw them lose 4 wickets for 92 runs, appeared precarious. At that point, the Raina-Dhoni team assumed control and contributed 196 runs to lead India to victory. Dhoni made 85 unbroken runs, and Raina scored a hundred (110*).

3. Raina Wore Dhoni’s Test Jersey

During the 2014 tour to Australia, MS Dhoni abruptly declared his retirement from Test cricket. When it came to Dhoni's retirement, "nobody knew." I have an extra-large, he stated as he approached me (jersey). I am talking Double XL. Keep doing this," Raina advised in a Cricbuzz interview. This, according to Raina, provided him a signal that Dhoni will shortly make his retirement announcement. Raina was spotted donning Dhoni's shirt during the last Test of the series in Sydney. The relationship between the two players was attested to by Raina's tribute.

4. When Raina Pulled Dhoni’s Leg

India and Ireland played one another in a T20I series in 2018. For the second game, MS Dhoni received a rest. On Gaurav Kapur's podcast (22 Yarns), Raina admitted that he took advantage of the chance to call Dhoni several times when he was out on the field. Raina reported that Dhoni told him to take whatever (gloves, pads, etc.) he likes after placing the complete kitbag on the ground. Dhoni did not want to return to the pitch time and time again because of the chilly Dublin weather. Nevertheless, Raina was not in the mood to relieve Dhoni of his 12th-man responsibilities and requested that he also carry a bat grip.

5. A Partnership Of 169 Vs. England

Dravid was India's fourth wicket when they were on 110 when they lost him in the 26th over. The captain of Raina joined him as he entered. Once India reached 280, Raina 84 (75) and Dhoni 78 (71), who were paired together, added 169 runs for the fifth wicket. Unfortunately, the D/L approach resulted in a draw, with Raina and Bopara splitting the game's player of the match honors.

6. 2021 CSK IPL Win

To win the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) championship, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the championship match. IPL, a 20-20 format cricket league based in India, held its 14th season this year. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the IPL for the fourth time; they had previously triumphed in 2010, 2011, and 2018.

7. Raina Told MSD About Ziva

After he put his country's needs ahead of his family, MS Dhoni gained the hearts of millions. Team India was in Australia for a tour at the time Sakshi Dhoni gave birth to Ziva. Ziva was born without MS Dhoni and Sakshi Dhoni in the room. Sakshi Dhoni asked Suresh Raina to inform MS Dhoni of the good news as he was not using his phone at the moment.

8. Shared Most Iconic Moments

Team India won because of several game-winning hits from MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina. They elevated the Indian cricket squad as a unit. Both Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni were a part of the World Cup-winning team in 2011. They were also a member of the team that won the ICC Champions Trophy two years later. Not only that, but Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni are also important members of Chennai Super Kings, one of the best teams in the IP after CSK won the championship three times. They both struggled in the playoffs and championships when they tried to play for different teams, though.

9. Bond Between The Families

Close ties exist between the families of Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni. The daughters of Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni are close friends and are frequently spotted hanging out in the stands during IPL matches. Once, Suresh Raina's daughters' birthday party was unexpectedly attended by MS Dhoni. This one event is sufficient to show how closely they are connected.

10. Both Made Their Debuts With 0 And Retired Together

We are all aware of the significant championships that Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni have won for both India and CSK. Few people are aware that they both were dismissed for "0" in their debut matches, though. Suresh Raina decided to accompany MS Dhoni on this new path shortly after MS Dhoni announced his retirement via a social media post. The unexpected news crushed the hearts of millions, yet their supporters and the entire cricket community are proud of what they have each accomplished as players.

,