Full Name: Suresh Raina
Nickname: Sonu
Date of Birth: November 27, 1986
Place of Birth: Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Age: 38 Years
Nationality: Indian
Role: Batsman
Batting Style: Left-Handed Bat
Bowling Style: Right-arm offbreak
Current Team(s): India, Chennai Super Kings, Uttar Pradesh
Suresh Raina was born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh. He is one of the most dynamic left-handed batsmen and an excellent fielder. Raina showed an early passion for cricket and moved to Lucknow to pursue it. He trained at the Guru Gobind Singh Sports College at a very young age. His aggressive style and dedication made him stand out at the junior level. This led to him being handed an early debut for India in 2005. Raina quickly became a vital part of India’s middle order across formats. Raina is known for his match-winning knocks and being electric in the field. Raina played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning campaigns. He was also a key part of the Chennai Super Kings squad in the IPL. Fans affectionately called him “Mr. IPL” for his fearless batting and fielding abilities in the IPL. He is one of the most beloved Indian cricketers.
| Test: Sri Lanka vs India at Colombo (SSC) – July 26 – 30, 2010 |
| ODI: Sri Lanka vs India at Dambulla – July 30, 2005 |
| T20I: South Africa vs India at Johannesburg – December 01, 2006 |
| KXIP vs CSK at Mohali – April 19, 2008 |
| Uttar Pradesh |
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s/50s | Wickets | Best Bowling | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 18 | 768 | 26.48 | 1/7 | 13 | 2/1 | 23 |
| ODI | 226 | 5615 | 35.31 | 5/36 | 36 | 3/34 | 102 |
| T20I | 78 | 1605 | 29.18 | 1/5 | 13 | 2/6 | 42 |
| IPL | 205 | 5528 | 32.51 | 1/39 | 25 | 2/0 | 109 |
Suresh Raina was known for his aggressive left-handed batting and being exceptional on the field. He was a natural stroke maker and excelled in the middle order. He used to play well against every type of bowling, especially spin. Raina was known for his quick footwork and precision in dominating bowlers. The lofted inside-out drive over extra cover and the flick over midwicket were his signature shots. Raina was a handy bowler as well, who could chip in with a few overs. He often used to break partnerships with his clever variations. He is a mentally strong character who thrived in high-pressure situations, showing resilience and positivity. He was one of India’s most dependable and energetic cricketers, who was fearless in his approach and quick between the wickets.
Suresh Raina was born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh. His father’s name is Tirlokchand Raina, who worked with the Ordnance Factory, and Parvesh Raina, his mother, is a homemaker. Suresh attended Guru Gobind Singh Sports College in Lucknow, where his cricketing journey started. Suresh Raina is married to Priyanka Chaudhary Raina, and they have two children: a daughter, Gracia, and a son, Rio. Suresh is an avid music listener who also enjoys travelling. He is also a fitness buff who keeps himself fit even after retiring from cricket. Apart from cricket, he is actively involved in charity through the Gracia Raina Foundation, which supports women’s and children’s welfare.
Suresh Raina has endorsed a diverse portfolio of brands in sports, technology, and travel sectors. He has worked with leading brands like BharatPe, Pepsi, Fantain, 9stacks, Colgate, WTF Sports, Asics, Intex, Jio, and more.
There is also a controversial association with Raina. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets (mutual fund investments) linked to Raina in a case related to the alleged illegal offshore betting platform, 1xBet.
Suresh Raina is quite active in philanthropy through his foundation, Gracia Raina Foundation.
Suresh has a massive following on social media and possesses significant influence. He has leveraged his “Chinna Thala” status from his Chennai Super Kings days to make a kingdom for himself on social media platforms.
Favourite Cricketer: Rahul Dravid
Favourite Stadium: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Pre-game Rituals: Standing for the National Anthem
Most Memorable Innings: 101 vs South Africa (2010 T20 World Cup, St Lucia)
Instagram: @sureshraina3
Twitter: @ImRaina
Facebook: @SureshKumaRainaOfficial