When you hear the name Suresh Raina, one of the first things that pop in your mind as a cricket fan is an attacking top order batsman who after playing a brilliant innings would celebrate every milestone of his with ‘Whistle Podu’. But every sporting hero also has a number to which they are tied, a number with which they wear on their back and with which they grow old. In this piece, we delve deep into the ‘raina jersey number’: Which Number Raina Wore Why He Picked It How it varied based on formats (national team, IPL) What would be its legacy?
We are making this article in layman’s terms, so that casual fans to die-hard cricket enthusiast can understand. We also adhere strictly to the right information and verified sources.
What is Suresh Raina’s Jersey Number?
National Team Number
Suresh Raina’s number in Indian team was 48. “Suresh Raina’s jersey number for the national side was 48,” reported Sports Dunia.
A second list of Indian jersey numbers similarly lists Raina as number 48.
So if you were to take up official India appearances (ODIs / T20Is), the one associated with Raina was 48.
IPL / Franchise Number
IPL Raina donned the No. 3 jersey while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Turbanators For instance, CSK squad lists always have Raina as No. formatMiike Snow – My Trigger Seems to agree with this as well Am I the only one that never noticed there was a rope behind Luffy’s foot?
There is also a tale how he passed on his normal number 3 to teammate and now former cricketer Harbhajan Singh on joining CSK so that Raina could continue wearing it as well, which shows how much of an institution Number 3 was for Raina at CSK.
Summary Table
| Team | Jersey Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| India (National team) | 48 | Confirmed by multiple sources |
| Chennai Super Kings (IPL) | 3 | Long-standing association with CSK |
Why These Numbers? – The Story Behind the Raina Jersey Number
Why number 3 for IPL / CSK?
CSK’s decision of assigning Raina the number 3 jersey has both personal as well as team-legacy significance:
- In an article, it mentions that Raina was quoted saying “Three is my family’s lucky number.
- Raina’s affiliation to CSK from the initial IPL days (from 2008) make number 3 a brand for him as ‘Chinna Thala’ with which he is often referred by fans.
- It was one of the few things which are associated with him,His no 3 shirt in IPL squads lists.
Why number 48 for India?
Numbering for international cricket jerseys can depend on number availability, personal choice of the player and the relevant board. In Raina’s case:
- He represented the Indian cricket team in 48. This number is not as “iconic” or celebrated publicly vis a vis some of the more famous ones (18 for Virat Kohli, #7 for MS Dhoni).
- Michigan Bios Raina has an India number and another one for IPl This shows that such numbers can vary completely from domestic/franchise leagues to national.
- 48 – The number 48 does not seem to have a similar personal story (available publicly) as the one for number 3 in his IPL career.
Significance and emotional value
- His CSK No 3, in turn, became a representation of Raina’s long stay and loyalty with the franchise.
- The jersey number also helps create a connection with fans – when they see “Raina 3” on the field, they recognize the player, remember his contributions and style.
- Even his own teammates admitted to that; like when Harbhajan Singh arrived at CSK, he forgo number 3 because Raina was continuing with it. This is a mark of respect for Raina’s legacy with the number.
- The number went on to create an identity beyond the tag “a player” – it became a part of the “Raina brand”.
The Evolution of the Number Over Time
Let’s investigate just how the “raina jersey number” usage developed over his career:
Early IPL years
- From the first few seasons of IPL (2008, 2009, 2010) CSK team list features Raina in number 3. For example in the 2008 and 2014 seasons.
- As Raina’s place in CSK grew (middle‐order lynchpin, vice-captain eventually), the position most held was 3.
National career
- His ODI and T20I playing jersey is 48. For instance, on SportsDunia the national shirt number is given as 48.
- This distinction demonstrates that jersey num- bers can vary across domestic/franchise and national levels.
Later years & legacy
- As Raina’s career advanced and he turned into a senior pro, his number 3 for CSK developed into legendary proportions among fans.
- His name being still associated with “3” in the franchise context keeps both that “raina jersey number” story alive for younger fans, who might not have witnessed his prime.
- The number 3 is still part of the memory of how he did things even if he’s not actively playing anymore.
Why It Matters for Fans, Collectors & Cricket Culture
For fans
- When you hear “Raina 3” on a jersey or in commentary, it takes fans to his match-winning knocks, exuberant celebrations and the time when Chennai Super Kings ruled the roost.
- It gives continuity: no matter who comes and goes when someone mentions the Raina and his number, you can instantly know that “which nyaka” they mean.
For collectors
- Today, IPL memorabilia collectors covet jerseys with the number three and Raina’s name. The work simply becomes more and more valuable, both sentimentally and in monetary terms.
- Pls get the exact number correct so that potential Authenticity is also in place (e.g., national team Jersey with a 3 can go back to original).
For cricket culture
- Player numbers add to the sport’s folklore (as does soccer jersey number 10 for certain legends, or no. 7 in baseball).
- The story of Raina is one more layer in how the numbers can be personal (as in his house number, and his family’s lucky digits) while also being franchise-based (the team you are assigned to).
- It also serves to demonstrate the disparity between franchise identity and national team identity in contemporary cricket.
Read More: 17 Jersey Number in Cricket: Famous Players Who Wore It😊
Final Thoughts
The story of the “raina jersey number” is one of identity, loyalty and legacy. Consider number 3 on one hand – the number attached to Suresh Raina, the vivacious match-winner who led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in yellow for years. On the other we have #48 – his Indian national team number, less famous but equally part of his tale.
The jersey number had become a badge of honour to Raina. It represented steady play, years of service to his team and an emotional tie with fans. You think of “Raina 3” and you remember big hits, roaring crowds and yellow-clad celebrations. When you talk about “Raina 48” you’re approaching an element of his cricketing life that is less known, although just as important.
FAQs About Raina Jersey Number
Q1: What was the Jersey number of Suresh Raina when he played for India?
A: He played as number 48 for the Indian national cricket team.
Q2: In which edition did Raina wear jersey number 3 while playing for CSK in the IPL?
A: His marquee number for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League was 3, which he wore across numerous seasons.
Q3: Why did he opt for CSK and No. 3?
A: The number 3 was personally significant (his address was 3), and he considered it to be lucky, according to interviews and accounts. Also, the franchise assumed it as part of his persona.
Q4: Did his jersey number switch ever occur?
A: Throughout his franchise career at CSK, he was with number 3. According to widespread reports, he has not changed it to an alternate number with CSK. He stayed number 48 for his national team.
Q5: Is there any number 3 “retired” at CSK or in BCCI with respect to Raina.
A: As of now, there is nothing officially reported in any “popular” statement that the number 3 has been retired in favour of Raina. The number is still there, albeit someone who now predominantly associates with it in practice.
