Who Is Mr. IPL? The Most Consistent Player in IPL History

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed many players who have excelled and left a lasting impact on the league. When discussing the top players in IPL, several notable names come to mind.

Virat Kohli, the highest run-scorer in IPL history, has been a cornerstone for the Royal Challengers Bangalore throughout the years.

Rohit Sharma, known for his exceptional leadership, guided the Mumbai Indians to five championships while delivering outstanding performances with the bat.

Another standout player is Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan fast bowler who made a significant impact for the Mumbai Indians.

Renowned for his lethal yorkers and wicket-taking abilities, Malinga is considered one of the greatest bowlers in IPL history.

MS Dhoni is widely recognized as the best captain in IPL history, known for his strategic acumen and exceptional finishing abilities.

Lastly, Chris Gayle, often referred to as the "Universe Boss," captivated fans with his explosive batting style. His ability to hit colossal sixes and change the course of a game single-handedly made him one of the most exciting players in the league.

However, if there is one player deserving of the title "Mr. IPL," it is Suresh Raina. Raina, the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, with 5528 runs in 205 matches at an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.73, is often called Mr. IPL. Here’s why. 

Suresh Raina’s performance in the IPL each season

 Suresh Raina is often referred to as "Mr. IPL" for his remarkable performances in the IPL over the years. His consistency, adaptability, and ability to deliver in critical moments made him one of the most respected and successful players in the league. Here's why Raina has earned the title of Mr. IPL:

Consistency with the bat

One of the most significant reasons Suresh Raina is called Mr. IPL is his consistency with the bat. He is the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, with 5528 runs in 205 matches at an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.73. 

Raina was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings for Rs 2.6 crore in the inaugural season of the IPL. He made an immediate impression, amassing 421 runs in his debut season. His outstanding strike rate of over 142 and three half-centuries hinted at his promising future in the tournament. Over the subsequent seasons, Raina became a crucial part of CSK's batting lineup, surpassing 400 runs in nine of his 13 IPL seasons, including three seasons with over 500 runs.

Raina withdrew from IPL 2020 for personal reasons and had a challenging IPL 2021, scoring just 160 runs in 12 matches with an average of 17 and a strike rate of 125. An injury further hindered his performance, leading to his replacement by Robin Uthappa.

Although he entered the IPL 2022 mega auction, Raina went unsold, mainly due to his recent decline in performance.

Outstanding fielding

Apart from his batting, Raina is also known for his exceptional fielding abilities. He is considered one of the best fielders in the history of the IPL, often saving crucial runs and taking spectacular catches. His agility and athleticism in the field set a high standard for other players and contributed significantly to CSK's success. Raina holds the IPL record for the second-most catches, with an impressive 109 catches in 204 matches. 

Versatility with the ball

While Raina is primarily known for his batting and fielding, his versatility with the ball also contributed to his reputation as Mr. IPL. He occasionally bowled useful off-spin and often provided breakthroughs for his team in crucial moments. He took 25 wickets with an economy of less than 8 runs per over. Raina's ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game made him a valuable all-rounder for CSK.

Key performances in playoffs

Raina's ability to perform under pressure in the IPL playoffs and finals is another reason he is called Mr. IPL. He tops the list of batsmen with most runs in playoffs.

In 24 playoff innings, Raina amassed 714 runs at an impressive strike rate of 155.21. He notched seven half-centuries, with his highest score being 87 runs against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2014.

He played numerous match-winning innings in crucial games. Raina's experience and calm demeanour under pressure have made him a go-to player for his team in high-stakes situations.

Suresh Raina best performance in the IPL

One of the best knocks played by Raina in the IPL came against the Punjab Kings in IPL 2014 playoffs. Punjab set a high target of 226 runs in 20 overs, thanks to Virender Sehwag's explosive century of 122 runs. In reply, CSK faced an early setback with the dismissal of Du Plessis by Mitchell Johnson in the second ball. Suresh Raina came in at one down and unleashed a flurry of boundaries from the word go. He reached the second fastest IPL 50 in just 17 balls.

After scoring a half century, Raina further accelerated his strike rate, hitting two sixes and five fours in an over. His remarkable innings of 87 runs off 25 balls with 12 fours and 6 sixes ended after he was run out. Despite Raina's magnificent effort, CSK lost the match by 24 runs.