CSK fans have long accepted that “Chinna Thala” Suresh Raina may never take the field again for Chennai Super Kings as a player. Meanwhile, the latest buzz suggests that Mr. IPL might be on his way back to the franchise, this time as a batting coach for the IPL 2026 season. Yes, you read that right.
Suresh Raina, who played a key role in helping CSK win four IPL titles, might soon take up a new role as the batting coach for the team in IPL 2026. The five-time IPL champions struggled to make a telling impact in the batting department this season, and Raina’s inclusion as batting coach could help the club turn things around.
Raina wasn’t part of the CSK squad when they lifted the trophy in 2023. But he has always stayed close to the team and its fans. During CSK’s last match of the IPL 2025 season, against Gujarat Titans, Raina was in the commentary box alongside the likes of Sanjay Bangar and Aakash Chopra. As the trio discussed CSK’s season, which ended with a massive 83-run win, Chopra tried to dig out more details about the club’s plans for the future.
Suresh Raina teases return to CSK dugout
At one point, Suresh Raina confirmed that talks were ongoing to hire a batting coach for IPL 2026. When Chopra jokingly asked if the new coach’s name starts with the letter ‘S,’ Raina smiled and replied, “He has made the fastest fifty (laughs).” This cheeky comment was a clear hint toward himself. For the record, Raina hit a blazing 16-ball fifty against Punjab Kings in 2014, which is one of the fastest in IPL history.
Currently, Mike Hussey serves as CSK’s batting coach. Like Raina, Hussey also played for CSK during his playing days. But with changes coming after a poor season, the coaching team might get a fresh look in 2026.
Talking about the 2025 season, CSK ran through a disastrous campaign in their history. The team finished last on the points table for the first time ever. They managed to win just 4 games out of 14. For the record, injuries and form issues plagued the side throughout the season.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad sustained an elbow fracture during the season and was ruled out of the tournament. MS Dhoni was reappointed as captain, but CSK failed to scale great heights in the season. As it turned out, they were the first team to get crashed out of the playoffs race.
Young players like Ayush Mhatre, Urvil, Dewald Brevis, and Kamboj have shown great promise. They are energetic, talented, and hungry to win games. With MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad guiding them, and with Suresh Raina possibly joining as batting coach, the team could make a stellar rebound in IPL 2025.
