CSK honors legends, Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden inducted into Hall of Fame

At a special ceremony during the ‘Roar 2026’ fan event at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the franchise announced the retirement of two of its most iconic players – Suresh Raina and honored Matthew Hayden.

The moment was not only memorable but also symbolic, celebrating the players who shaped CSK’s identity in its early years. The franchise expressed this sentiment perfectly with a heart-touching message:

“Before the legacy… there were these two. Our first Hall of Fame inductees: Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden.”

For fans, it was a reminder of how these two cricketers laid the foundation for CSK’s success at a time when trophies and dominance had become the norm.

Suresh Raina, fondly called ‘Chinna Thala’, was an obvious choice. A constant presence from 2008 to 2021, he was not just a player – he was the heartbeat of the team. With 5,529 runs in 200 matches, Raina remains CSK’s all-time highest run-scorer. His consistency, energy, and ability to perform in big moments make him unforgettable.

From winning four IPL titles to playing a key role in the Champions League T20, Raina’s contributions are much more than numbers. His unforgettable performance in the 2010 final that helped CSK win their first title holds a special place in the history of that franchise.

Matthew Hayden, on the other hand, represents CSK’s fearless start. The explosive Australian opener brought aggression and intent to the top order, shaping the team’s batting approach. In just three seasons, he scored over 1,100 runs and became CSK’s first Orange Cap winner with 572 runs in 2009.

Hayden also added a touch of innovation with his famous ‘Mongoose’ bat, making him one of the most talked-about figures in the early years of the league.

A memorable night in Chepauk and a look towards CSK’s future

The induction into the Hall of Fame was the highlight of a star-studded evening in Chepauk, where the past and present came together to celebrate CSK’s journey. Many former players, including Muttiah Muralitharan, Ambati Rayudu, Michael Hussey, and Subramaniam Badrinath were present, adding to the emotional atmosphere.

In another special moment, MS Dhoni honored the current CSK players who achieved success at the international level recently. Sanju Samson, Shivam Dubey and young Ayush Mathre were recognized for their contributions, serving as a bridge between the franchise’s glorious past and its bright future.

The event wasn’t just about celebrating history – it was also about setting a direction for the future.

After a disappointing IPL 2025 season, where CSK finished at the bottom of the table for the first time, the team is now eager to make a strong comeback. Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the focus is now on rebuilding the momentum and searching for a record sixth IPL title.

CSK will start their IPL 2026 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati on March 30, followed by their first home match against Punjab Kings in Chepauk. With the Hall of Fame established, the franchise has created a powerful source of inspiration for its current squad.