Raina Beats Kohli to Become First to Cross 5,000-Run Mark in IPL

Chennai Super Kings’ Suresh Raina became the first-ever cricketer to score 5,000 runs in the Indian Premier League on Saturday, 23 March.

The 31-year-old achieved the feat when he reached an individual score of 14 during the opening match of IPL 2019 between CSK and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Raina, who aggregate at the start of the season was 4,985 runs, beat RCB captain Kohli to the feat.

After his 6 in the season opener at Chepauk, Kohli now has 4,954 IPL runs and is still 46 runs away from the big-mark.

Also Read: ‘Dad’s Army’ Return! CSK Defeat RCB in Low-Scoring Season Opener

Defending champions CSK kicked off their Indian Premier League 2019 campaign on a rousing note by thrashing Royal Challengers Bangalore by seven wickets at the MA. After wrapping up the visitors on a paltry total of 70 runs, the sixth lowest total in the IPL history, the hosts took 17.5 overs to overhaul the target on a slow Chepauk wicket.

After the win, Raina on Twitter wrote, “Playing and winning at home ground is always a special feeling! What a way to start”.

“Blessed & proud to cross 5000 runs. Here's to many more victories with the team. Well done guys!” he said in another tweet.