Batsmen With Most Runs For Chennai Super Kings in IPL History 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are undoubtedly one of the most successful teams in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. They have reached the playoffs a record 11 times out of 12 seasons. A huge factor behind CSK’s consistency has been the batting stability provided by their top-order batsmen over the years.    

Let’s look at the ten CSK batsmen with the most IPL runs to their name:

#1. Suresh Raina – 4687 Runs

Suresh Raina is CSK’s leading run scorer by quite some distance. The aggressive left-hander scored 4687 runs for CSK while averaging 32, striking at 137 and hitting 33 fifties. He was the backbone that held CSK’s batting together for years.

#2. MS Dhoni – 4508 Runs

Captain cool MS Dhoni comes next with 4508 runs at 40 average and 138 strike rate. The legendary finisher scored these runs at No.4 and 5 for CSK, rescuing them from numerous collapses over the years. His 22 IPL fifties for CSK showcased his consistency.

#3. Faf du Plessis – 2721 Runs

The South African Faf du Plessis has been a pillar of strength at the top with 2721 runs at 35 average. Faf scored these runs at an excellent 132 strike rate including 20 fifties – providing great starts to CSK in the powerplay overs.

#4. Ambati Rayudu – 1932 Runs

Indian middle order batsman Rayudu made 1932 runs at 30 average and 129 strike rate for CSK. His 8 fifties and a hundred proved crucial whenever CSK lost early wickets. He stabilized the innings before hitting top gear later on.

#5. Ruturaj Gaikwad – 1797 Runs

The talented young Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad emerged in 2020 with some cracking performances. He has already raced away to 1797 runs at 39 average and 136 strike rate including 14 fifties and a hundred.

#6. Mike Hussey – 1768 Runs

Australian batting legend Mike Hussey scored 1768 runs at an incredible average of 42 for CSK striking at 123. He hit 13 fifties in the CSK yellow jersey mostly opening the innings. Mr. Cricket was instrumental to CSK’s success. 

#7. Murali Vijay – 1708 Runs

Talented Indian opener Murali Vijay takes the next spot with 1708 runs at 26 average. His 127 against Rajasthan Royals in 2010 remains the highest ever IPL score by a CSK batsman. Vijay played many crucial knocks upfront for CSK over the years.

#8. Ravindra Jadeja – 1630 Runs

The spin bowling all-rounder Jadeja contributed significantly with the bat making 1630 runs lower down the order at a 135 strike rate. His cameos boosted CSK’s totals on numerous occasions.  

#9. Badrinath – 1441 Runs

Underrated Indian batsman Badrinath takes the next spot scoring 1441 runs at 31 average and 119 strike rate. His 11 fifties stabilized the CSK middle order as he played the anchor role to perfection.

#10. Shane Watson – 1252 Runs

Finally, Australian all-rounder Shane Watson closes out the top 10 with 1252 runs at 31 average and 136 strike rate. His 7 fifties and 2 hundreds played key roles in big CSK wins over the years.  

So in summary, CSK built their success over the years on the batting stability provided by the likes of Raina, Dhoni, Hussey, Vijay, Badrinath, Jadeja and more recently Gaikwad.

Conclusion

Chennai Super Kings have undoubtedly been the most consistent IPL franchise due to the individual brilliance of their batsmen. The likes of Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Faf Du Plessis topped the run charts for them over the years – cementing their legendary batting lineup. Going forward, Ruturaj Gaikwad will carry the batting mantle for CSK as their dependence on Raina and Dhoni reduces. But the platform laid by CSK’s top run scorers over the years played a key role in their record success over 12 seasons.