Top 5 run-getters for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL history

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been the most consistent side in the history of the IPL. In the 10 seasons that the ‘Men in Yellow’ have featured, they have reached the playoffs every single edition, the only team to do so in the history of the competition. They have also reached the finals seven times and have won the title on three occasions.

Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, who has led the side since the inception of the IPL in 2008, CSK have had some quality players representing the franchise over the years, and Dhoni's strategy to back a set of players for a long time has worked wonders for the side.

Big names such as Michael Hussey, DJ Bravo, Suresh Raina among others have been prime contributors to many of CSK's wins, while several others have managed to carve out careers by doing well for the Chennai-based franchise. On that note, here are five batsmen who have scored the most runs for CSK in the IPL.

#5. Faf Du Plessis

Du Plessis has scored 1639 runs at an average of 31.51

Faf du Plessis first featured for CSK in IPL 2011. The right-handed batsman has played 96 innings for his side and has scored 1639 runs at an average of 31.51 and a strike rate of 126.75. He has provided solid starts for Chennai at the top of the order and is a pivotal part of the team’s batting line-up. Du Plessis’ ability to drop the anchor and allow the other batsmen to play their natural game has been a crucial factor in establishing him as one of the mainstays of the Chennai Super Kings batting line-up. Du Plessis' most successful season was in the year 2012, when he scored 398 runs for Chennai at an average of 33.17.

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Record: Innings:57 | Runs:1639 | Average:31.51 | 100s:0 | 50s:10

#4. Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay is an extremely gifted batsman and has often provided explosive starts at the top

Edging past Faf Du Plessis on this and bagging the fourth place is Murali Vijay. An extremely gifted batsman, the Tamil Nadu-born has often provided explosive starts at the top of the order. His ability to transfer his weight on either foot with ease and his ability to keep his head steady proves that a batsman who follows the textbook will succeed irrespective of the format that he plays in.

Vijay has played 67 innings for CSK and scored 1676 runs at an average of 26.60. The right-handed batsman has also scored two hundreds and seven fifties for the franchise. Hardcore IPL fans will never forget the whirlwind 127 he smashed against the Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram stadium. Vijay's most prolific season for Chennai was in the year 2010, when he scored 458 runs at an average of 35.23.

Record: Innings:67 | Runs:1676 | Average:26.60 | 100s:2 | 50s:7

#3. Michael Hussey

Hussey won the Orange Cap in the 2013 edition of the IPL, scoring a whopping 733 runs

At the No.3 spot comes 'Mr. Cricket' Michael Hussey. He played 49 innings for the Chennai franchise and scored 1768 runs at an average of 42.09 and a strike rate of 123.63. The dynamic left-handed batsman has also scored one hundred and 13 fifties for the Chennai outfit. Hussey’s ability to provide solid starts at the top of the order and his ability to seamlessly mix caution with aggression made him an asset for the franchise.

He won the Orange Cap in the 2013 edition of the IPL, scoring a whopping 733 runs and played a pivotal role in Chennai reaching the final of the edition. The last match that Hussey played for Chennai was in the 2015 edition against the Mumbai Indians where he was dismissed for 4 runs.

Record: Innings:49 | Runs:1768 | Average:42.09 | 100 s:1 | 50s:13

#2. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has almost become synonymous with the CSK franchise.

You talk of the Chennai Super Kings and the first name that comes to mind is that of the iconic MS Dhoni. Dhoni has become the undisputed sporting ‘Thala’ of the city with his ability to inspire his troops and get the best out of them.

And with the bat too, he has been pivotal for his side. He has played 143 innings for CSK and scored 3858 runs at an incredible average of 44.34. The skipper has also scored as many as 21 fifties for the franchise. Dhoni’s ability to keep his cool and steer his side past the finish line sets him apart from the rest. Out of the many epic knocks that Dhoni has played throughout his IPL career, he will be best remembered for the 84* off just 48 balls he smashed against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2019 edition.

The legendary Indian batsman had his most prolific year for CSK in the year 2013 when he scored 461 runs at an average of 41.91 and he scored his runs in 2013 at an incredible strike rate of 162.90.

Record: Innings:143 | Runs:3858 | Average:44.34 | 100s:0 | 50s:21

#1. Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina has scored over 400 runs in 9 seasons for his team

Taking the top spot is ‘Mr. Consistent' of the IPL, Suresh Raina. The left hander is the only CSK player to score over 400 runs in more than 10 seasons for the franchise (He missed out in 2019 when he scored 383 runs).

A pivotal part of the batting line-up right from the start, Raina has played 160 innings for his team and scored a whopping 4527 runs at an average of 33.28. He has also scored a hundred and 32 fifties for Chennai. Raina has played several memorable knocks during his stint with the Chennai outfit. The 87 that he smashed off just 25 balls against Kings XI Punjab in Qualifier 2 of the 2014 edition, however, was the best of the lot.

Raina is also the most capped player for Chennai, having played 164 matches for the ‘Men in Yellow’.The left hander had his most prolific year for Chennai in the year 2013 when he scored 543 runs at an average of 42.15. Raina also scored the only hundred of his IPL career during the 2013 season.

Record: Innings:160 | Runs:4527 | Average:33.28 | 100s:1 | 50s:32