Ravichandran Ashwin and 6 others cricketers who started and ended their IPL careers with CSK

A select and highly distinguished group of cricketers shares a unique and a rare feat in the history of the Indian Premier League. These individuals are the only players who began their careers with the Chennai Super Kings and also concluded their journey with the same franchise.

This special list is a testament to the loyalty and deep-rooted connection that these players forged with the team over the years. Some of them were part of the inaugural squad and stayed with the franchise throughout their entire IPL journey, while others returned to the yellow jersey to bid farewell to the league. Their careers, marked by exceptional performances and unwavering commitment, serve as an inspiration in the ever-changing landscape of modern T20 cricket.

7 cricketers who played their first and last game of their IPL careers with CSK. ft Ravichandran Ashwin

1. Ravichandran Ashwin

• First IPL Match: Ashwin made his IPL debut for CSK on April 27, 2009, against the Mumbai Indians in Cape Town. He did not get a chance to bat and bowled just one over, conceding 11 runs.
• Last IPL Match: His final IPL match was for CSK in the 2025 season. In that season, he played 9 matches, with his last appearance coming against the Rajasthan Royals.
• His journey: Ashwin began his IPL career with CSK in 2009 and was an integral part of their championship-winning teams in 2010 and 2011. He played for CSK until 2015 before the franchise was suspended. He then played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab (where he was also captain), Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. He returned to CSK for the 2025 season to conclude his career.
• Overall performance for CSK: In his total time with CSK, he took an impressive 90 wickets and contributed with the bat, solidifying his role as a key all-rounder and a pillar of the team’s success.

2. Suresh Raina

• First IPL Match: Raina’s IPL debut was for CSK on April 19, 2008, against the Punjab Kings in Mohali. In his first innings, he scored a quick 32 runs off 15 balls and took 1 wicket, getting his career off to a flying start.
• Last IPL Match: His last IPL match was for CSK against the Rajasthan Royals on October 2, 2021. In that match, he was dismissed for 3 runs off 5 balls.
• His journey: Raina is a true legend of the CSK franchise. He played for the team from 2008 to 2015. During CSK’s two-year suspension, he captained the Gujarat Lions from 2016 to 2017. He returned to CSK in 2018 and played with them until his final season in 2021.
• Overall performance for CSK: As ‘Mr. IPL,’ Raina holds several records for the franchise. He played a total of 200 matches for CSK, amassing over 5,500 runs. His consistent performance and leadership made him the heart and soul of the team for over a decade.

3. Stephen Fleming

• First IPL Match: Stephen Fleming played his first and only IPL season in 2008 for CSK. made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 2, 2008 against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He scored 13 runs in 13 balls in his first game.
• Last IPL Match: His last match as a player was also for CSK in the 2008 season against Deccan Chargers and scored 14 runs in nine balls. He retired from playing after that single season.
• His journey: Fleming’s journey with CSK is unique. After his sole playing season in 2008, he transitioned into the role of head coach in 2009, a position he has held ever since. He briefly coached the Rising Pune Supergiant during CSK’s suspension before returning to his original team.
• Overall performance for CSK: In his brief playing career, he played 10 matches and scored 196 runs. As a coach, his legacy is unparalleled, having led CSK to multiple IPL and Champions League titles.

4. Matthew Hayden

• First IPL Match: Matthew Hayden made his IPL debut for CSK on April 19, 2008, against the Punjab Kings in Mohali, scoring a brisk 25 runs off 17 balls
• Last IPL Match: His last IPL match was on April 25, 2010, against the Mumbai Indians in Navi Mumbai in the final. In that game, he scored 17 runs off 31 balls.
• His journey: Hayden’s entire IPL career was with CSK, from 2008 to 2010. He did not play for any other team in the league.
• Overall performance for CSK: In 32 matches for CSK, Hayden was a destructive opener, scoring 1,107 runs at a formidable average of 36.90. He won the Orange Cap in the 2009 season and was a crucial part of CSK’s maiden title win in 2010.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin’s net worth: Do you know how rich is the retired IPL star?

5. Doug Bollinger

• First IPL Match: Doug Bollinger’s IPL debut was for CSK on April 1, 2010, against the Deccan Chargers in Nagpur. He immediately made an impact by taking 2 wickets for 15 runs and also scored 16 runs with the bat.
• Last IPL Match: His last IPL match was on April 21, 2012, against the Rajasthan Royals in Chennai. He took 1 wickets for 31 runs in that game.
• His journey: Bollinger’s career was entirely with CSK. He played for the franchise from 2010 to 2012 and did not represent any other IPL team.
• Overall performance for CSK: In his time with the team, he played 27 matches and took an impressive 37 wickets at an excellent average of 18.73. He was a key component of CSK’s bowling attack during their title-winning campaigns.

6. Michael Hussey

• First IPL Match: Michael Hussey’s IPL debut was for CSK on April 19, 2008, against the Punjab Kings. He announced his arrival in spectacular fashion by scoring an unbeaten 116 runs off just 54 balls, a performance that remains one of the best debuts in IPL history.
• Last IPL Match: His last IPL match was for CSK on May 23, 2015, against the Mumbai Indians in the final of the 2015 season, where he was dismissed for 4 runs.
• His journey: Hussey played for CSK from 2008 to 2013 before being bought by the Mumbai Indians for the 2014 season. He returned to CSK for the 2015 season to finish his career with the franchise where he began.
• Overall performance for CSK: In 59 matches for CSK, Hussey scored 1,977 runs at an exceptional average of 38.76. He won the Orange Cap in 2013 and was a cornerstone of the team’s batting lineup.

7. Makhaya Ntini

• First IPL Match: The South African fast bowler made his IPL debut for CSK on April 23, 2008, against the Kolkata Knight Riders. He had an excellent debut performance, taking 4 wickets for 21 runs and immediately establishing his presence as a feared bowler.
• Last IPL Match: His last IPL match was on June 1, 2008, against the Rajasthan Royals in the final of the inaugural season. In that match, he went wicketless, conceding 21 runs in 4 overs.
• His journey: Makhaya Ntini played his entire IPL career for the Chennai Super Kings. He was part of the squad for the 2008 season and did not play in the IPL after that, making CSK the only franchise he represented in the league.
• Overall performance for CSK: In his sole IPL season, he played 9 matches and took a total of 7 wickets with an economy rate of 6.91. His best performance of 4/21 came on debut, and he was a valuable member of the team’s bowling attack in the inaugural season.

Also READ: Is Ravichandran Ashwin free to play T20 leagues overseas after IPL retirement? Here’s what we know