The Chinna Thala chapter has begun a new phase as Suresh Raina returns to Chennai Super Kings. The franchise has confirmed that he will serve as Assistant Batting and Fielding Coach for IPL 2026. Raina, known as Mr. IPL, enjoyed a legendary playing career with CSK. His return connects the team’s successful past with its rebuilding future.

Raina’s appointment was reportedly confirmed during live commentary of a GT vs CSK match in the 2025 season. He will work alongside head coach Stephen Fleming, batting coach Michael Hussey, and bowling coach Eric Simons. For the fans, watching Raina in the dugout now feels emotional and special. His presence brings back memories of CSK’s golden era.

After retirement, Raina had stepped away from the Yellow Jersey for a while. Now, he reunites with MS Dhoni and the coaching group. With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the team into a new era, Raina’s experience will be important. He played 205 IPL matches, scoring 5,528 runs at an average of 32.52 and a strike rate of 136.73, which adds strong credibility to his new role.

CSK Look to Recover After Tough IPL 2025 Season

The IPL 2025 season was a difficult one for the Chennai Super Kings. The team finished last in the points table for the first time in franchise history. Early on in the tournament, Ruturaj Gaikwad broke his right elbow fracture. This leads MS Dhoni back to captaincy once again.

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨

Mr. IPL Suresh Raina set to join CSK as Assistant Batting Coach pic.twitter.com/rrjtrVGrv1

— Jayprakash MSDian™ (@ms_dhoni_077) February 21, 2026

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Despite some bright individual performances, CSK lacked consistency. Shivam Dube scored 357 runs, while Noor Ahmad claimed 24 wickets. But the team could only manage four wins and even lost five matches at Chepauk. With Raina now part of the setup, CSK will hope to rebuild and aim for a strong comeback in IPL 2026.