The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen countless stars rise and shine, but only a handful of CSK retired players have completed a full-circle journey. For the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), loyalty has always been more than a buzzword; it’s a culture. While many cricketers explored other opportunities, a few legends debuted and retired with CSK, leaving behind unforgettable memories. Among them are four stalwarts — Ravichandran Ashwin, Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina, and Michael Hussey, whose stories continue to inspire millions of fans.
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Suresh Raina — Mr. IPL’s Unbreakable Bond with CSK
Raina’s name is almost synonymous with CSK. From the inaugural IPL season in 2008 to his last in 2021, he remained the beating heart of the yellow army. Nicknamed “Mr. IPL,” Raina was the epitome of consistency, scoring runs when the team needed them most. Across 176 matches for CSK, he racked up 4,687 runs at a strike rate of nearly 137. His record includes a memorable century and countless half-centuries that turned the tide in CSK’s favour.
Suresh Raina is a name. #ChinnaThala is an emotion. The legion of #yellove fans at #AnbuDen erupting at 1 down 2 see jersey no.3 will always be special! #WhistlePodu #HappyBirthdayRaina 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/WwSyjBB133
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 27, 2019
Beyond the stats, Raina was instrumental in CSK’s four title-winning campaigns (2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021). His loyalty, charisma, and match-winning knocks made him an icon of the franchise. He is celebrated as one of the greatest CSK retired players, with a legacy that still defines the yellow army.
Ravichandran Ashwin — CSK’s Trusted Match-Winner
Ashwin is another example of how CSK nurtured raw talent into world-class excellence. Making his debut in 2009, Ashwin soon established himself as a clever off-spinner capable of outsmarting the best in the world. After playing for multiple franchises, he returned in 2025 for his farewell season, ensuring that he too debuted and retired with the Chennai Super Kings.
Related Article：Ravichandran Ashwin Retired from IPL：What’s His Next Move?
Life comes in a full circle ♾️💛
The journey that began as a Super King, ends as a Super King.
Forever a lion, forever one of us! 🦁✨
Thank you for the Yellovely memories, Ash! #ThankYouAsh #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/kmfC0FVgwF— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 27, 2025
Across 221 matches in his IPL career, Ashwin took 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.2, ranking among the top five wicket-takers. For CSK, his 106 appearances yielded 97 wickets with an exceptional economy of 6.68. A trusted match-winner under MS Dhoni’s leadership, his decision to conclude his journey with CSK cemented his place among the most memorable Chennai Super Kings retired players.
Murali Vijay — The Explosive Opener
Known for his fearless approach, Vijay was a true entertainer for CSK fans. He debuted in 2009, bringing power and aggression to the top order. Over 106 matches, Vijay scored 2,619 runs with a strike rate of 122, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries. His most iconic innings was the explosive 127 off 56 balls against Rajasthan Royals in 2010, a knock still celebrated among the most thrilling in IPL history.
Yellove streets will always remember his flair! 💥✨
Wishing the OG Lion a super birthday 🥳 💛#WhistlePodu #SuperBirthday 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/n0gDfMHmvP— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 1, 2025
Though Vijay played for other franchises later, he eventually returned to CSK, where he closed his IPL chapter in 2020. The fact that Vijay also debuted and retired with the CSK adds a poetic touch to his journey. For the fans, he remains one of the most stylish Chennai Super Kings retired players, remembered for his audacious strokeplay and match-winning temperament.
Michael Hussey — Mr. Cricket in Yellow
The Australian maestro Hussey brought experience and stability to the CSK lineup. Starting his IPL career with the franchise in 2008, Hussey made an instant impact with an unbeaten 116, which’s one of the earliest standout knocks in the tournament’s history. After a short stint with the Mumbai Indians, Hussey returned to finish his IPL career with CSK in 2015, ensuring that he too debuted and retired with CSK.
Welcome 🔙 , Master! 🫡🫂
Let’s get right to it! 💪🏻💛#WhistlePodu #Dencoming 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/kjWvJelE6A— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 9, 2025
In 2011, Hussey scored 492 runs, playing a key role in CSK’s title win. His 2013 season was even more remarkable, where he amassed 733 runs among the highest single-season tallies in IPL history. Known as “Mr. Cricket,” Hussey was one of the most consistent foreign Chennai Super Kings retired players, admired for his professionalism, calmness under pressure, and ability to anchor an innings.
Conclusion — A Legacy Etched in Yellow
The journeys of Suresh Raina, Ravichandran Ashwin, Murali Vijay, and Michael Hussey are proof that CSK is more than just a franchise; it’s a family. These legends not only gave their best on the field but also gifted fans the rare joy of watching heroes who debuted and retired with CSK.
Their careers stand as shining examples of loyalty and legacy, reminding us that cricket is not just about runs, wickets, or titles; it’s about belonging. As these four legends joined the club of iconic CSK retired players, they etched their names permanently in the history of the yellow army, showing that some stories are destined to finish exactly where they began.
