Cricket Interviews: Is This the Perfect All-Time XI of CSK Chosen by Suresh Raina?
Chennai Super Kings have always been a team that knows how to step up in big matches, which is why they are five-time IPL champions. A key figure behind this success has been Suresh Raina, who earned the tag of “Mr. IPL” with his consistent performances in the middle order.
Time and again, he rescued the side and played match-winning knocks that shaped CSK’s journey. Recently, Raina shared his all-time playing XI of Chennai Super Kings in an interview, while also giving his thoughts on the current happenings in Indian cricket. Here is a closer look at what he revealed.
Why Did Suresh Raina Leave Out Ruturaj Gaikwad from His All-Time CSK XI?
Suresh Raina, known as “Chinna Thala” in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) circles, stands as a pillar of the franchise’s legacy. His dazzling cover drives, acrobatic fielding, and relentless energy powered CSK to five IPL titles, matching Mumbai Indians for the most in the league’s history. So when Raina shared his all-time CSK XI during a YouTube chat with Shubhankar Mishra, anticipation ran high. The selections, however, dropped a bombshell as no Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current CSK captain, and no Dwayne Bravo, the franchise’s all-time leading wicket-taker. These omissions sparked heated debates across fan forums, with many questioning why Raina overlooked two modern giants in favor of players from CSK’s early days.
Raina’s opening pair featured Murali Vijay and Matthew Hayden, a duo that defined CSK’s dominance in the IPL’s formative years. Vijay, with his elegant stroke play and unflappable demeanor, amassed 1,708 runs in 70 IPL matches for CSK. His ability to anchor or attack laid the foundation for many big totals. Hayden, the Australian powerhouse, ruled the 2009 season, clinching the Orange Cap with his aggressive, boundary-smashing style. Together, they blended finesse and firepower, making them a natural fit for Raina’s dream XI. Their partnership evokes memories of CSK’s early triumphs, a time when the franchise was carving its name in IPL history.
Suresh Raina picks his CSK all time Squad.(📸: Sportskeeda) pic.twitter.com/6TVv5WoA8n
— Krish (@yari__2306) August 31, 2025
At number three, Raina chose Michael Hussey, dubbed “Mr. Cricket” for his rock-solid technique. Hussey’s versatility like anchoring innings or accelerating when needed to be made him a CSK cornerstone. His role as batting coach since 2018, mentoring players like Gaikwad, further cements his legacy. Raina placed himself at four, a position where he thrived as CSK’s top run-scorer with 5,529 runs. His knack for turning games with clutch performances earned him a permanent spot in the franchise’s lore. Completing the middle order was Subramaniam Badrinath, a Chennai native whose gritty, understated knocks provided stability during CSK’s title-winning campaigns in 2010 and 2011.
For the all-rounder role, Raina selected Albie Morkel, the South African who could launch sixes into the stands and bowl crafty medium pace. Morkel’s ability to finish games in the death overs was legendary, often swinging matches in CSK’s favor. The pace attack included Doug Bollinger, L Balaji, and Mohit Sharma, each a key figure in CSK’s journey. Bollinger’s fiery spells in the 2010 title-winning season, with his swinging deliveries, left batters rattled. Balaji’s swing bowling dazzled, while Mohit’s death-over precision proved vital in later years.
The spin department boasted Shadab Jakati, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, a trio that could suffocate any batting lineup. Jakati’s left-arm spin was quietly effective, Ashwin’s off-spin was a masterclass in deception, and Jadeja’s all-round brilliance of bowling, fielding, and batting made him indispensable. MS Dhoni, the “Thala,” was Raina’s obvious choice for wicketkeeper and captain. Dhoni’s ice-cool leadership and tactical genius steered CSK to those five IPL titles, making him the franchise’s beating heart. As a final touch, Raina named Muttiah Muralitharan as his Impact Player. Murali’s spin wizardry would elevate any team, a fitting addition to this star-studded XI.
The absence of Gaikwad and Bravo, however, raised eyebrows. Gaikwad, CSK’s current leader, has been a batting sensation since 2020, winning the Orange Cap in 2021 with his graceful stroke play. Even during CSK’s disastrous 2025 season, where the team finished dead last in the IPL, Gaikwad’s consistency shone through. Raina’s top order of Vijay, Hayden, and Hussey locked up the batting slots, leaving no room for the current skipper. The choice feels like a nod to the players who shaped CSK’s identity in its early years, when Raina was a central figure. Bravo’s exclusion is equally puzzling. With 183 wickets, he’s CSK’s top bowler, and his lower-order hitting won countless games. Yet Raina opted for Morkel, perhaps because of their shared history during the 2010 and 2011 title runs.
Raina’s own CSK journey offers insight into his selections. From 2008 to 2015, he was the team’s lifeblood, scoring mountains of runs and diving across the field. During CSK’s 2016-2017 suspension, he captained Gujarat Lions, then returned in 2018 to help CSK win titles in 2018 and 2021. His XI feels like a heartfelt tribute to the players who built CSK’s legacy, even if it means sidelining modern stars like Gaikwad and Bravo. Despite CSK’s 2025 flop, Raina’s picks celebrate the franchise’s storied past, not its recent struggles.
Who Should Lead Team India Next, Shubman Gill or Shreyas Iyer? Raina Shares His View
With Rohit Sharma’s captaincy nearing its twilight, Indian cricket is abuzz with speculation about the next ODI captain. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are front-runners, but Suresh Raina has thrown his weight behind Hardik Pandya, stirring the pot. Gill’s case is compelling. His recent stint as Test captain against England was a masterclass, leading a young side to a 2-2 draw in a five-match series. Gill smashed 754 runs at an average of 75.40, including four centuries, proving he can lead from the front while keeping his cool. His performances scream future leader, positioning him as a strong contender across formats.
Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, brings his own credentials. A mainstay in India’s ODI middle order, Iyer has a knack for delivering under pressure, with composed knocks that stabilize innings. His leadership shone in the IPL, guiding Delhi Capitals to the 2020 final, managing a star-packed squad with finesse. But Raina’s backing Pandya, and it’s not hard to see why. Having played under MS Dhoni, Raina spots a similar spark in Pandya’s leadership.
Statements by Suresh Raina:
— Nenu (@Nenu_yedavani) August 30, 2025
– Gill over Iyer any day
– Hardik will do miracles as captain
– He has Kapil dev level experience
– He is a player's Captain
– He gives me glimpses of MS Dhoni
Anyways Hardik is always there as a leader,Target Asia cup and T20wc ❤️ pic.twitter.com/c28RZtTQvz
Shubman Gill any day, the way they decide, but I think Hardik Pandya will do a lot of miracles in white-ball cricket as a captain. He has experience like Kapil Paji, whether it’s batting, bowling, or fielding. And he’s a very, very positive guy. I see a glimpse of MS Dhoni in him, the way he interacts and conducts on the ground.
Pandya’s captaincy record speaks volumes. He led Gujarat Titans to an IPL title in their 2022 debut and reached the final in 2023. His 2024 season with Mumbai Indians was a letdown, finishing last, but he rebounded in 2025, steering MI to the playoffs. Pandya also captained India in T20Is, notching wins before Suryakumar Yadav took over. Raina admires Pandya’s all-round skills of batting, bowling, fielding, and his ability to inspire teammates, much like Kapil Dev in 1983. While Iyer’s steady batting and IPL leadership make him a solid pick, Raina sees Pandya’s charisma and white-ball experience as the edge for ODI captaincy. Gill’s Test exploits are stellar, but Raina believes Pandya’s the man to lead India’s 50-over side. With Rohit’s era winding down, the selectors face a tough call with Gill’s rising star, Iyer’s calm presence, or Pandya’s dynamic leadership.
Should Rohit and Virat Play the 2027 ODI World Cup?
The future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Indian cricket is a burning topic, especially regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup. Having retired from T20Is and Tests, ODIs remain their final frontier, and opinions are divided. Suresh Raina, a former teammate, is adamant that both should play. Their experience in ICC tournaments is unmatched, with Rohit leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and Kohli starring in the 2025 Champions Trophy triumph. Raina argues their ability to deliver in high-stakes games makes them indispensable.
Rohit & Kohli should play the 2027 ODI World Cup because they have won the T20 WC and the Champions Trophy. They have so much experience. I feel they will be there in the 2027 World Cup; they should be there.
By 2027, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39, raising concerns about age, but Raina dismisses that. Their knack for handling pressure in knockout matches outweighs any doubts. Both are set to return in India’s ODI series against Australia starting October 19, 2025, their first international action since the Champions Trophy. Their performances will offer clues about their longevity.
While selectors might lean toward younger talents like Gill or Iyer, Raina believes phasing out Rohit and Kohli would be premature. Rohit’s tactical brilliance and Kohli’s batting mastery remain India’s biggest assets in ODIs. Their sudden Test retirements in May 2025 fueled speculation about their ODI futures, but Raina insists they’re vital for 2027. With Gautam Gambhir as coach and Ajit Agarkar as chief selector, the decision looms large.
Who Should Open for India in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina, who was the country’s first centurion in T20 internationals, has shared his thoughts on who should open the batting for India at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The tournament will be held in February and March next year across India and Sri Lanka, with 20 teams participating. India, the defending champions after winning the 2024 edition in the West Indies and USA under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, will once again be seen as strong contenders for the title. When asked about India’s opening choices, Raina made it clear that Yashasvi Jaiswal should be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Jaiswal has already impressed in his short T20I career, scoring 723 runs in 23 matches, and has been one of the most consistent young performers in the format. For the second opener’s spot, Raina named a few contenders but leaned towards Abhishek Sharma and Priyansh Arya. Abhishek, who is currently the top-ranked T20I batter in ICC rankings, has scored 535 runs in just 17 internationals. His attacking style at the top has made him a standout option. Priyansh Arya, though yet to make his international debut, has caught attention after a strong IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, where he showed his talent and composure as an opener. He said:
I think…mujhe lagta hai Yashasvi ek hai (Yashasvi is one). They can also look for Priyansh Arya; Abhishek Sharma is there, and Sanju Samson is there. KL Rahul is also there. He has performed wherever he got a chance. Ruturaj Gaikwad has also scored many runs. But I would prefer Abhishek Sharma. Shubman Gill can be captain as well; you never know. Mujhe lagta hai inko I think Yashasvi Jaiswal, Priyansh Arya aur Abhishek Sharma – teeno leftie mein se 2 koi ho sakte hai. Shubman Gill 3 number ho sakte hai.
Raina also mentioned Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Ruturaj Gaikwad as possible options, while suggesting that Shubman Gill might be better suited for the No. 3 spot and could even be considered for captaincy. Summing up his views, Raina said he believes India could go with two left-handers out of Jaiswal, Abhishek, and Arya at the top, which would give the team an aggressive and balanced start. His picks highlight India’s rich pool of young batting talent ahead of the mega event.
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