Although Ruturaj Gaikwad has delivered outstanding performances for the team, he was left out of Suresh Raina’s all-time Chennai Super Kings (CSK) XI. Raina, who was with CSK from 2008 to 2015, returned to the franchise in 2018 for three more seasons. He played a crucial role in the MS Dhoni-led side that clinched the IPL title for the fourth time in 2021. Over the years, Raina served as Dhoni’s deputy and occasionally led the team in his absence. He officially retired from IPL in 2022.

Speaking with Shubhanka Mishra on his YouTube channel, Raina selected Murali Vijay and Matthew Hayden as his opening pair. Vijay, who scored 1708 runs for CSK in 70 IPL matches, was a consistent performer for the franchise. Hayden, the 2009 Orange Cap winner, contributed 1107 runs in just 32 matches for the team.

Raina placed Michael Hussey at number three, with the Australian accumulating 1768 runs for CSK and later taking on the role of the franchise’s batting coach. Raina himself occupies the number four position in his all-time XI, having accumulated 4687 runs for CSK.

Following Raina at number five is Subramaniam Badrinath, who notched up 1441 runs from 67 innings for CSK. The next spot goes to the versatile Albie Morkel, who contributed 827 runs and took 76 wickets during his time with the team. MS Dhoni is a part of the team.

Raina also included a strong bowling line-up with Doug Bollinger, Shadab Jakati, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, LP Balaji, and Mohit Sharma. Muttiah Muralitharan was selected as the team’s Impact Player.

Dhoni and Jadeja continue to be key players in CSK’s lineup. Meanwhile, Mohit Sharma, who last played for CSK in 2019, is now with the Delhi Capitals. Ashwin, who recently retired from IPL, will focus on playing in overseas leagues moving forward.

Suresh Raina’s All-Time CSK XI: Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Albie Morkel, Doug Bollinger, Suresh Raina, Subramaniam Badrinath, Ravindra Jadeja, Shadab Jakati, MS Dhoni, Murali Vijay, Lp Balaji, Mohit Sharama, Mohit Sharama, Ravichandran Ashwin, Muttiah Muralitharan (Impact Player)