CSK Honors Raina and Hayden with First Hall of Fame Induction
Synopsis
In a historic moment for the Chennai Super Kings, iconic players Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden have been inducted into the team's inaugural Hall of Fame at a celebratory event. This honors their significant contributions to the franchise's success over the years.
Key Takeaways
CSK's inaugural Hall of Fame honors legends Raina and Hayden.
Raina is the franchise's top run-scorer with 5,529 runs.
Hayden was the first player to win the Orange Cap for CSK.
The induction ceremony took place at the Roar '26 event.
IPL 2026 kicks off on March 28, with CSK's opening match on March 30.
Chennai, March 22 (NationPress) The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are five-time IPL champions, have honored former cricketers Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden by inducting them into the franchise's inaugural Hall of Fame during the Roar ’26 fan celebration held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium this past Sunday.
This Hall of Fame was established to pay tribute to two of CSK's most iconic players. Raina, affectionately known as ‘Chinna Thala’ by fans, played for CSK from 2008 until 2021 and was part of four IPL championship-winning teams in the years 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021.
He also participated in two Champions League T20 victories in 2010 and 2014, receiving the Player of the Tournament accolade in the latter. Raina holds the record as CSK’s all-time leading run-scorer, amassing a total of 5,529 runs, which includes two centuries and 38 half-centuries.
Hayden, a former left-handed opener who donned the CSK jersey from 2008 to 2010, contributed to the team’s 2010 IPL title win and was the first to earn the Orange Cap, scoring 572 runs in the 2009 season. Over his tenure with the franchise, he accumulated 1,117 runs, with eight of those being half-centuries.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was part of CSK's pre-season festivities ahead of the 19th IPL season, which is set to kick off on March 28. CSK, under the captaincy of Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad, will launch their 2026 campaign against the inaugural champions, the Rajasthan Royals (RR), at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30.
Following this, they will face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Chepauk on April 3, then travel to Bengaluru to compete against the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), on April 5, and will host the Delhi Capitals (DC) at home on April 11. All four of CSK's matches in this initial phase will take place in the evening.
Point of View
The induction of Raina and Hayden into the CSK Hall of Fame marks a significant acknowledgment of their contributions to cricket. Their legacies are intertwined with the franchise's identity, and this honor reflects the team's commitment to celebrating its history and honoring its heroes.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hall of Fame induction?
The Hall of Fame induction is a new initiative by CSK to honor its most celebrated players, starting with Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden.
When did the induction ceremony take place?
The induction ceremony occurred during the Roar ’26 fan event on March 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
What are Raina's achievements with CSK?
Suresh Raina is CSK's all-time leading run-scorer with 5,529 runs and has been part of four IPL championship-winning teams.
What notable records did Hayden achieve with CSK?
Matthew Hayden was part of the 2010 IPL championship team and was the first CSK player to win the Orange Cap in 2009.
When does the IPL 2026 season begin?
The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 28.
