Chennai Super Kings (CSK) inducted former India all-rounder Suresh Raina and Australian legend Matthew Hayden into the franchise's inaugural Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place during "Roar'26," a massive pre-season fan event at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where the local crowd gathered to celebrate the legends who shaped the team's early legacy.
Suresh Raina, Matthew Hayden in CSK's Hall of Fame
Suresh Raina, affectionately known as "Chinna Thala," remains one of the most iconic figures in the franchise's history. A mainstay from the inaugural 2008 season until 2021, Raina was a vital component of four IPL title-winning campaigns (2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021). His trophy cabinet also includes two Champions League T20 titles, where his standout performance in the 2014 edition earned him the Player of the Tournament award. To this day, he remains the leading run-scorer for the Super Kings, having amassed 5,529 runs featuring two centuries and 38 half-centuries.
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Matthew Hayden was also honored for his explosive impact during the franchise's formative years between 2008 and 2010. The former Australian opener was a key member of the 2010 IPL-winning squad and made history in 2009 by becoming the first-ever Super King to win the Orange Cap, scoring 572 runs that season. Throughout his tenure in Chennai, Hayden totaled 1,117 runs with eight half-centuries, leaving an indelible mark with his aggressive style at the top of the order.
The 54-year-old Australian great played a key role in the franchise's early success, most notably as a key member of the 2010 IPL-winning squad. He also etched his name into the record books as the first player from Chennai Super Kings to win the prestigious Orange Cap, an honor he earned in 2009 after amassing a tournament-high 572 runs.
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Throughout his tenure in the yellow jersey, Hayden was a model of consistency at the top of the order, accumulating a total of 1,117 runs for the franchise. His aggressive batting style was reflected in his eight half-centuries, which often provided the team with explosive starts during his three seasons with the club.
CSK stalwarts reunite at 'Roar 26' event
The "Roar'26" event served as a grand reunion for the CSK family, featuring several other legendary figures from the team's storied past. Joining the celebrations alongside the inductees were former stars such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Ambati Rayudu, Lakshmipathy Balaji, S Badrinath, and Michael Hussey, all of whom gathered to mark the franchise's inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony.