As the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) came calling with a scintillating contest between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the cricket fans geared up for multiple individual clashes that the opening match had to offer. While many were keen to witness the battle between 'Captain Cool' MS Dhoni and 'Captain Fearless' Virat Kohli, others were eager to see the contest between RCB's explosive batting line-up and CSK's experienced bowling unit.

Amongst the key battles, there was one between Suresh Raina and the RCB skipper in the race to reach 5,000 runs in the IPL. Ahead of the IPL opener, Raina had amassed 4,985 runs in 3,601 balls (1167 dots, 1533 singles, 256 twos, 11 threes, 448 fours, 1 five and 185 sixes) in the tournament. He was just 15 runs shy of becoming the first player to score 5,000 IPL runs.

Twitter/@IPL

On the other hand, Kohli had scored 4,948 runs in 3,784 balls (1319 dots, 1575 singles, 266 twos, 11 threes, 435 fours and 178 sixes) in the IPL. While Raina looked in touching distance, Kohli needed 52 runs to achieve the unique feat. But, after Dhoni won the toss and asked RCB to bat first, many would have probably tipped the Indian captain to reach there first.

But, contrary to popular perception, Kohli, akin to majority of his teammates, had a forgettable outing as he was sent back into the hut for just six runs. On a raging turner of a track at the MA Chidambaram stadium, perennial underachievers RCB were bowled out for a mere 70 runs.

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With Kohli bottling his opportunity, all eyes were on Raina when he came out to bat in the third over. After surviving a run-out scare (thanks to Mohammad Siraj's fumble while collecting the ball), Raina tickled the ball towards fine leg for an easy single in the ninth over, etching his name in the history books as the first-ever player to complete 5,000 runs in the IPL.

 

There it is, the magical 5000! What a player! Mr. IPL for reason! #ChinnaThala #WhistlePodu #Yellove #CSKvRCB ð¦ð pic.twitter.com/lyMtouHNlG

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2019

Blessed & proud to cross #5000runs. Here's to many more victories with the team. Well done guys! @ChennaiIPL

— Suresh Rainað®ð³ (@ImRaina) March 23, 2019

After achieving the milestone, Raina was dismissed in the very next over by Moeen Ali who got him caught at long-on. While he couldn't finish the game for Chennai who eventually won by seven wickets, Raina's latest achievement earned him a lot of plaudits from fans and pundits alike.

5000 runs for @ImRaina. He has been an #IPL legend.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 23, 2019

Suresh Raina becomes the first batsman to score 5,000 runs in the history of IPL.

First to score in IPL,

1,000 runs: Adam Gilchrist
2,000 runs: Suresh Raina
3,000 runs: Suresh Raina
4,000 runs: Virat Kohli
5,000 runs: Suresh Raina*#CSKvsRCB

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) March 23, 2019

Mr. IPL Rocks â¤
Proud of you @ImRaina

— RAINA's SAKSHI ⤠(@SakshiRMishra) March 23, 2019

Raina... ððð
Hope Raina will get his chance in WORLD CUP by his IPL performance

— Call Me Johnny (@CallMeJohnny5) March 23, 2019

I want him to play in world cup, he is way better than Pant and DK in terms of experience.. I hope it happens @ImRaina

— Aman@0305 (@Aman03051) March 23, 2019

Congratulations @ImRaina for scoring 5000 runs in @IPL
Pure class in t20 for CSK..#CSKvRCB @ChennaiIPL #Raina

— Chowkidar Vikas ð®ð³ (@VikasDarji_) March 23, 2019

Legendary!! Legendary!! Legendary!!

— AKASH RAINAð¥ (@ImakashRaina) March 23, 2019