Matthew Hayden, Suresh Raina inducted into Chennai Super Kings' Hall of Fame

Legendary cricketers Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden have been inducted into the inaugural Chennai Super Kings Hall of Fame.

At their mega fan celebration event, Roar ‘26, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai, this announcement was made on a historic first occasion where CSK recognised its legends and former players. Players like Muttaiah Muralitharan, Ambati Rayudu, Shadab Jakati, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh and Subramaniam Badrinath also graced the occasion.

Raina is one of the Chennai Super Kings’ most decorated players. Fondly known as ‘Chinna Thala’, he was instrumental in four of CSK’s five IPL triumphs – 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021. He also played a vital role in CSK’s two CLT20 triumphs in 2010 and 2014, finishing as Player of the Tournament in 2014, with 234 runs and a brilliant unbeaten century in the final against the Kolkata Knight Riders. With 5,529 runs in 200 IPL matches, he is still their highest run-scorer in the IPL, with 38 half-centuries and two centuries.

Legendary Australian opener Matthew Hayden, in a short early stint with the team, was one of their most prolific players. Signed in the first IPL season in 2008, Hayden became the first CSK batter to win the Orange Cap, with 527 runs in the 2009 season. He finished his three-year run with the Super Kings in 2010, with 1107 runs in 32 matches for the franchise.

Chennai Super Kings’ Hall of Fame recognises the contributions of their former players, setting a benchmark for the success of the franchise. It is a reflection of past successes and a way to honour those that were part of these successes.

Chennai Super Kings begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. Their first home game follows that, when they take on the Punjab Kings at the Chepauk Stadium on April 3. They will be looking for better fortunes this season after a dismal bottom-toddler run in 2025.