Suresh Raina, also known as ‘Chinna Thala’, is a fine batsman in IPL. He has been a major factor in the rise of the Chennai Super Kings. Raina has over 6000 runs in IPL. He has performed with his batting, fielding and even sometimes bowling, taking wickets at crucial times. We view today the Top 10 Best Knocks of Suresh Raina.

1. 87 Runs Of 25 Balls

With a target of 227 to chase for Chennai Super Kings to get to the final, CSK lost wickets early, leaving Raina to bat with an abysmal score of 1/1. Suresh Raina, being the batter he is, smashed 87 runs off just 25 balls to almost make the fastest IPL hundred. He hit 12 fours and six sixes at a tremendous strike rate of 348. He almost would have made a hundred but got run out in the 6th Over. This innings stands as an exceptional performance in IPL history.

2. 98 Of 55 Balls

Against RR in 2009, Suresh Raina played a man-of-the-match inning by scoring 98 runs off 55 balls. Rajasthan Royals batted first and put up a measly target of 141 runs. Raina came as Matthew Hayden got out early and started smashing right away, with nine fours and four sixes, to help CSK comfortably chase down the score with seven balls to spare.

3. 100 Runs In 53 Balls

Back in 2013, Raina scored his maiden century against Kings XI Punjab in 53 balls.  CSK batted first and in came Raina who established a 110-run partnership with Michael Hussey, to get to his first IPL hundred in style. Raina hit seven fours and six sixes in that inning. CSK reached a total of 186/4 and won the match by 14 runs.

4. 57 Of 35 Balls

In the IPL final in 2010, Suresh Raina played a game-changing innings as he scored 57 Of 35 Balls. CSK were down for 68/3 in 12 overs due to a slow start by openers Matthew Hayden and Murali Vijay. Raina, along with Dhoni and Badrinath, brought CSK to a respectable total of 168/5, Raina being the highest scorer with 57 runs. Raina hit four fours and two sixes and sealed the IPL tie by delivering an all-round performance to win the IPL.

5. 73 Of 50 Balls

Against RCB in the Qualifier 1 of 2011, to get to his second consecutive IPL, Suresh Raina played a steady inning after CSK was down 7/2 after both openers Hussey and Vijay got out cheaply. Raina put together 73 runs of 50 balls in which he hit four boundaries and six sixes to chase down a target of 175.

6. 84 Runs Of 46 Balls

Against KKR, Raina played a match-saving innings which, saw him score 84 Runs Of 46 Balls which included nine fours and four sixes to chase down a target of 187, when Gujarat Lions played Kolkata Knight Riders. Raina came in after a good start by openers Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum and smashed nine fours and four sixes to seal the tie for Gujarat Lions.

7. 99 Of 52 Balls

CSK faced SRH in IPL 2013. Put to bat first, CSK openers got off to a flying start, scoring 45 runs within the powerplay. Then Raina came in and started a sensational innings which saw CSK post a record total of 223 runs. Raina, along with Hussey posted a 133-run partnership where Raina scored 99 runs off 52 balls, one run short of a 2nd IPL hundred. Raina hit 11 fours and three sixes in this inning.

8. 82 Of 42 Balls

In a match against  the Mumbai Indians in 2013, CSK posted a massive total of  192 with a single wicket lost. Raina scored 82 off 42 balls, establishing a 140 run-stand with Hussey.  Raina and Hussey were smashing the Mumbai Bowling attack. Raina hit five fours and five sixes to put on a massive score of 192. Mumbai lost the match after they got all out for 144 runs.

9. 73 Of 38 Balls

In the 2012 IPL final, CSK batted first and established a good start with 87 runs in 10 overs. Raina came in the 11th over and started smashing right away, scoring 73 runs of 38 balls with three fours and five sixes, and established a 73-run partnership with Michael Hussey. But, CSK lost the match as KKR opener Manvinder Bisla scored 88 runs in 46 balls.

10. 54 Of 43 Balls

In the 2018 IPL, against SRH , Suresh Raina played a patient inning of 54 runs of 43 deliveries to take CSK to a total of 182 runs. Raina set up a good partnership with Ambati Rayudu who scored 73 runs. Raina hit five fours and two sixes in this inning. CSK won the match as SRH fell short by three runs.