IPL 2008: Best playing XI 

3. Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings)

Suresh Raina

One of India’s best T20 player, Raina first realized his effective skills in the format at the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. Being a part of the star-studded side in Chennai Super Kings under the leadership of MS Dhoni, the 21-year was not bogged down in intimidation of being around certain match winners.

His batting and the electrifying fielding were the huge bonus as per the Indian point of view. The southpaw was at his imperious best to display the quality to take the attack to the opposition.

His was a dominant customer against the spinners, but his knack of hitting towering sixes even against the pacers, was an added aspect to his game. Raina eventually emerged as the best batsman for CSK, mustering 421 runs at an average of 38.27 with an astounding strike rate of 142.

His love affair with this format and popularity among the Chennai fans was just building to take stand as he continued to play for the men in yellow for the next eight years.