MS Dhoni or Suresh Raina - who is the greater CSK batter in IPL history?
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are widely regarded as one of the most successful and cherished teams in IPL history, known for their consistent performances, strong leadership, and resilience.
At the core of CSK’s success have been two legendary figures – MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina. Although Raina retired from IPL cricket after the 2021 season, his contributions were instrumental in CSK’s achievements over the years.
Both players have been pivotal to the team’s success, with their batting playing a crucial role in CSK’s dominance. They are also the top two run-scorers in the franchise’s IPL history.
However, when it comes to deciding who is the greater CSK batter, it’s a question that sparks much debate. Let’s take a closer look at some key factors to determine who has had the bigger impact with the bat.
#1 MS Dhoni vs Suresh Raina: Which batter has scored the most runs for CSK?
Suresh Raina represented Chennai Super Kings for 11 seasons, accumulating 4,687 runs in 171 innings, with 33 fifties and one century to his name. He remains the franchise’s leading run-scorer. Throughout his career, he struck 425 boundaries and 180 sixes for the Kings.
Most of Raina’s matches were played at the No. 3 position, where he scored 4,117 runs in 143 innings.
On the other hand, MS Dhoni, who has been part of CSK for 15 seasons, is still going strong, and will once again take the field in the 2025 edition. Dhoni has scored 4,669 runs for CSK in 202 innings, with 22 fifties but no centuries, primarily batting in the No. 4 and No. 5 positions. The 43-year-old has hit 330 boundaries and 222 sixes for CSK.
Advantage - Suresh Raina
#2 MS Dhoni vs Suresh Raina - Who has scored the most runs in winning causes?
Suresh Raina played 176 matches for CSK, securing 109 wins, 66 losses, and one no result. In those victories, Raina scored 3,107 runs at an average of 37.43, including 21 fifties and one century.
In comparison, MS Dhoni has played 234 matches for CSK, with 137 wins, 95 losses, and two no results. In winning causes, Dhoni has scored 2,680 runs at an average of 44.67, remaining unbeaten on 53 occasions and hitting 15 fifties.
Despite Dhoni's consistent contributions, Raina holds the record for the most runs in CSK's winning matches.
Advantage - Suresh Raina
#3 MS Dhoni vs Suresh Raina - Who has the better average + strike rate for CSK in IPL?
Strike rate often plays a huge role in T20 cricket, and if a batter maintains a good strike rate along with a decent average, he becomes a great asset for the team. Both Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni have been such assets for CSK.
Raina scored 4,687 runs for CSK in his career, with an average of 32.32 and a strike rate of 136.93. In comparison, MS Dhoni has scored 4,669 runs at an average of 40.25, boasting a slightly higher strike rate of 139.29.
Advantage - MS Dhoni
Final score Suresh Raina 2-1 MS Dhoni
In conclusion, while Dhoni has made a greater overall contribution to the team through his leadership, guiding CSK to five IPL titles, Raina's impact with the bat has been truly enduring.