Chennai, India – Speculation is rampant regarding the chances of former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Suresh Raina rejoining the franchise, possibly in a coaching position for IPL 2026. The speculation grew after an on air conversation during an IPL 2025 match with Raina himself acknowledged the possibility.
It happened during CSK’s last IPL 2025 match against Gujarat Titans. Raina was in the commentary box with two other former India cricketers Aakash Chopra and Sanjay Bangar.
The three are discussing CSK potential new coaching staff and Raina made the remark of CSK “looking for a new batting coach.” The conversation quickly became guides when Chopra pressed Raina to inquire if the possible new coach’s name began with “S?” Following this, Raina’s response was “He has made the fastest fifty” and many quickly interpreted his comment as a good indication of his possible return.
According to Suresh Raina’s IPL record for CSK with fifty runs against Punjab Kings, a blistering 16-ball fifty, made in 2014. Chopra continued the fun advertising statements by saying, “Chalo ho gaya bhai (then it is done), you heard it first here!” According to Hindustan Times Source.
These hints come at a notable time for the five-time IPL champions, who concluded the IPL 2025 season at the bottom of the points table. This marks a rare and disappointing first ever last place finish for the franchise in the tournament’s history, a performance that naturally prompts a review and potential changes within the team’s structure and management.
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Suresh Raina is an icon to CSK fans known as “Mr. ipl” and “Chinna Thala” (little leader). Raina was with the franchise from 2008 to 2021 and had 5529 runs in 200 matches which included 3 IPL wins. Raina was the highest scorer in CSK franchise history and was a very dynamic batter who was a premier fielder (arguably the best fielder of the IPL era), and legit back up off-spinner. If he were to come back, and only if he was in a non-playing capacity, a lot of folks believe Raina’s experience and knowledge of the culture would bring a lot back to the franchise.
Currently the batting coach for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is former Aussie player Michael Hussey, who has held that position since 2018. Raina’s recent comments leave the speculation on the future coaching list to be desired.
When asked about the rumors that are circulating during the post-match press conference, it was a solemn-faced Sridharan Sriram, spin bowling coach for the CSK, who smiled gently and responded with caution. “I don’t know. I have to ask him if he said that,” he mentioned with a half smile, neither confirming nor denying the speculation.
He would have liked to highlight that CSK’s leadership in the form of Head Coach Stephen Fleming, MS Dhoni, and Ruturaj Gaikwad have a clear roadmap around the issues they felt were key to their recent season and how they will move forward. “The roadmap ahead is pretty clear, which I think is a real positive,” Sriram mentions, implying that the franchise already has plans in place to get better.
While we have not heard any confirmation by the CSK management about Suresh Raina’s possible involvement with the franchise, it is clear that the contemplation of his return has sparked an enthusiasm in the fanbase. Given his impressive career and his intimate knowledge of the IPL and CSK winning formula, it could be a huge plus to have him on board for the team to rebuild and get back on track as the most dominant team in the league. In the coming months, we should hear more rumors regarding “Mr. IPL’s” return to the Yellow Army but this time in the dugout.
Written By Smita Singh
