Suresh Raina turns 33: The left-hander's top 3 knocks of all time in IPL cricket

Suresh Raina is one of iconic players of Indian Premier League (IPL) whose name is etched in IPL history books. He is kwn as 'Mr. IPL' for his consistent match-winning performances in all editions. Raina has been part of Chennai Super Kings since first season of IPL. He was first to cross 5,000-run mark in IPL and has so far scored 5,368 runs with 38 half-centuries from 193 matches. He is most capped player in league. Here are some of top innings of his in IPL that me him make his mark on tournament in style.

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Suresh Raina: best of CSK legend in IPL cricket

3. 98 (55) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR), Centurion, 2009

In year 2009, Raina contributed immensely in defeating defending champions Royals. MS Dhoni decided to bat first after winning toss. CSK posted a total of 164 with help of Raina’s attacking 98.  chase was mediocre and Royals surrendered to 126 all out in 20th over. Raina scored 434 runs that season, being  fourth-highest behind Matw Hayden, am Gilchrist and AB de Villiers. Raina’s 98 runs came off just 55 balls and his innings helped him win  Player of Match award.

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2. 100* (53) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Chennai, 2013

Raina walked in at 27 for 1 in fourth over and remained unbeaten to score a 100 in just 53 balls in an innings that was studded with seven fours and six sixes. Chennai piled on 186 in ir 20 overs. It was an innings, where Raina peppered bowling attack on onside, scoring 49 of his runs in deep midwicket and long-on region.  His attacking intent ensured CSK weren’t bogged down despite being at 92 for 3 in 13th over, doubling ir score in next eight. Eventually, total h proven to be just about eugh as Kings XI Punjab went on to lose  match by 15 runs.

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1. 87 (25) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Mumbai, IPL Qualifier 2, 2014

Arguably, Raina’s best IPL kck came in a losing cause. Batting first, Kings posted 226 in ir 20 overs, thanks to a blitzkrieg 122 off just 58 balls by Virender Sehwag. A stiff target like that looked stiffer when CSK lost Faf du Plessis on  second ball of ir run-chase. Raina ded 66 for second wicket with Dwayne Smith in 28 balls, of which Smith scored just 7. Raina was ferocious as he threatened to singlehandedly make a mockery of target. His 25-ball 85 gave him a strike-rate of 348 and included 12 fours and six sixes. That means 18 of his 25 balls were hit for boundaries. Unfortunately, Raina was run out after taking CSK to 100 for 2 in just 6 overs. CSK eventually lost match by 24 runs.

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