There are high speculations around Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Suresh Raina and a potential return to the franchise in a new avatar—as batting coach for IPL 2026.
The buzz was ignited during CSK’s final league match of IPL 2025, when Raina, part of the Hindi commentary panel, dropped a cryptic hint about the team’s coaching plans for next season.
Raina’s Teaser Sparks Frenzy
During the live broadcast, Raina revealed that CSK is currently in talks to appoint a new batting coach for the upcoming season.
When fellow commentator Aakash Chopra pressed him for details—specifically if the new coach’s name started with “S”—Raina responded with a playful reference:
“He has made the fastest fifty,” before breaking into laughter. For CSK fans, this was a clear nod to Raina’s own 16-ball half-century in 2014, the fastest in franchise history, fueling speculation that “Chinna Thala” himself could be returning to the dugout.
Chopra’s on-air reaction—“Chalo ho gaya bhai, you heard it first here!”—further stoked expectations that an official announcement was imminent.
Official Response: CSK Remain Tight-Lipped
Despite the excitement, CSK’s current coaching staff has not confirmed any appointment. Spin bowling coach Sridharan Sriram, when asked about Raina’s comments after CSK’s win over Gujarat Titans, said, “I don’t know. I have to ask him if he said that”.
Sriram emphasized that while the franchise’s leadership—Stephen Fleming, MS Dhoni, and Ruturaj Gaikwad—has a clear vision for the future, there is no official word on a coaching change or Raina’s involvement.
Sriram added, “Really don’t know what is going to happen… the good thing is Fleming and MS, Ruturaj, they’ve got a clear idea of what went wrong and what needs to be done. So I think the road ahead is quite clear, which I think is a real positive”.
What’s Next for CSK and Raina?
Michael Hussey, who has served as CSK’s batting coach since 2018, currently holds the position.
With CSK finishing at the bottom of the table for the first time in their history, a shake-up in the coaching staff is plausible, but no official confirmation has been made regarding Raina’s appointment.
Raina remains one of the most beloved figures in CSK’s history, having scored 5529 runs for the franchise and played a pivotal role in their five IPL titles.
His return in a coaching capacity would be widely celebrated by fans and could bring valuable experience to a side in transition.
