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Suresh Raina: Celebrating the Quiet Legend on His 39th Birthday

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 2:15 GMT by moneycontrol.com

Celebrating a Quiet Legend: Why Suresh Raina Deserves the Spotlight on His Birthday

On the 27th of March, Indian cricket fans worldwide paused to wish one of the sport’s most understated stars a happy birthday. Suresh Raina, who turned 39 this year, is a name that echoes from the bustling streets of Kalyan to the packed stadiums of Chennai. Yet, despite a career that reads like a textbook of modern cricket excellence, Raina remains the “most underrated batter of contemporary cricket” for many. A recent MoneyControl feature—“Happy Birthday Suresh Raina: 5 Reasons Why He Is the Most Underrated Batter of Modern Cricket”—captures the essence of why the former Indian international and Chennai Super Kings stalwart deserves more recognition. Below is a distilled overview of the article’s key points, enriched with context from the linked resources within the piece.

1. Longevity with Consistency Across All Formats

Raina’s international career spanned more than a decade (2008‑2018) and encompassed 114 ODIs, 91 T20Is, and 12 Test matches. His ODI run tally of 3,000+ (average 31.10, 6 centuries, 20 fifties) and T20I record of 2,700+ runs (average 25.00, 1 century, 10 fifties) reflect a player who could adapt to every pace, every pitch, and every pressure point.

Link reference: A deeper dive into his ODI statistics can be found in the MoneyControl “Suresh Raina ODI Stats” section, which lists his 15–year run and highlights his performance in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph.

The article also underscores his Test contributions: 408 runs at an average of 20.40, a record of 1 century and 3 fifties, all in a format where he was never a regular but still delivered when called upon.

2. The Ultimate Finisher in the IPL

Raina’s name is synonymous with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He became the first player to score 10,000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL), a milestone he achieved in 2020. Over 12 seasons with CSK, he amassed 9,900+ runs at an average of 28.90, with 14 centuries and 23 fifties. He was the tournament’s leading run‑scorer in 2016, 2017, and 2019, and his 2018 season (1,002 runs in 10 matches) remains one of the best individual IPL campaigns in history.

Link reference: The MoneyControl article interlinks with a detailed “IPL Records: Suresh Raina” page, providing breakdowns of his runs, strike rates, and contribution to CSK’s three championship titles (2010, 2011, 2018).

His finishing prowess is highlighted by 21 match‑winning innings—most of which were scored in the last 10 overs—showcasing his calmness and precision when the stakes were highest.

3. Key Contributions in ICC Successes

Beyond domestic glory, Raina was integral to India’s global victories. He was a core part of the 2007 ICC World Cup squad, the 2011 World Cup champions, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy winners. The article points out specific performances:

• 2007 World Cup Final vs. Sri Lanka: Raina scored a crucial 52 off 48, providing stability after a shaky start.
• 2011 World Cup Semi‑Final vs. Sri Lanka: A 50‑run knock (55 balls) that steadied India’s innings.
• 2013 Champions Trophy Final vs. England: Raina’s 57* off 58 balls played a pivotal role in setting a challenging target.

Link reference: The piece links to the “ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Summary” on MoneyControl, which details the match statistics and Raina’s impact.

These moments illustrate Raina’s ability to perform on the world’s biggest stages, often bridging the gap between a promising start and a secure finish.

4. Adaptability to All Conditions and Bowler Types

A recurring theme in the MoneyControl feature is Raina’s versatility against both spin and pace. Unlike many batsmen who thrive only in one domain, Raina’s technique allowed him to dominate on sub‑continental tracks and adapt to bouncy pitches in the West Indies or the bouncy wickets of Pakistan.

He is quoted by former captain MS Dhoni as “a bowler’s nightmare because he never gives an easy ball.” His record against the top 20 international bowlers (50+ runs off 80 balls) demonstrates his aptitude for facing elite talent.

Link reference: The article points to a MoneyControl “Player Comparison” section that juxtaposes Raina’s strike rates against top pacers (e.g., Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah) and spinners (e.g., Muttiah Muralitharan, Daniel Vettori).

5. The Quiet Leader and Mentor

While not always in the limelight, Raina has been a mentor to younger CSK players and an informal leader on the field. His partnership with Virat Kohli, especially the 102-run stand against the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018, is often cited as an example of his seniority and calmness.

The article references an interview with Raina from the “Player Profile” section on MoneyControl where he speaks about the importance of team synergy over individual accolades.

A Birthday Tribute with a Call for Greater Recognition

The MoneyControl article concludes by celebrating Raina’s 39th birthday with a photo gallery that juxtaposes his early days as a young cricketer in Kalyan with recent moments at CSK’s training camps. The gallery includes behind‑the‑scenes shots of him practicing footwork, interacting with fans, and a candid image of him celebrating his 10,000‑run milestone with a group of younger teammates.

On this special day, the piece subtly reminds fans that while Raina may not have always received the same headline buzz as Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, his contributions to India’s batting depth, his match‑winning IPL performances, and his consistency across formats make him a true icon. He embodies the archetype of an “underrated” player: quietly brilliant, constantly reliable, and always ready to lift the team when the stakes are highest.

Final Thought

In the era of instant statistics and viral highlights, it is easy to overlook the subtle genius of a player like Suresh Raina. Yet, a close reading of his career, as outlined by MoneyControl, reveals a cricketer whose impact was both profound and pervasive. On his birthday, it’s not just a wish for another year but a moment to re‑acknowledge the legacy of a player who, perhaps more than any other, has redefined modern batting through quiet excellence.