'They also asked me to join...'- former India player can join CSK ahead of IPL 2026

A possible homecoming is on the line ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). The former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter can rejoin with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026. After the initial discussions, the franchise has yet to take a final call on the matter. 

Suresh Raina has made a huge claim about his possible homecoming at CSK, his former IPL team. During his days as an active cricketer, the former batsman had played a pivotal role for the team. Behind CSK's multi-time IPL glory, he played a crucial role. Raina, a former cricketer and now a cricket expert, claimed that the team management has asked him to join the team as a coaching staff member. Though, there is no official confirmation as of now. 

During a recent conversation Raina said, "I approached CSK, and they also asked to join as the coaching However, a final decision will be taken after an internal meeting." 

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Will he join CSK?

Raina spent 11 years with Chennai Super Kings as a constant middle-order batsman of the team. In 2021, he played his last IPL season, when he scored 160 runs in 11 innings at an average of 17.77. His best season with CSK was back in the 2009-10 season when, at an average of 47.27, he scored 520 runs in 16 matches and 16 innings. The amount of experience Raina gathered through international cricket and club cricket can be useful for nurturing young talents. 

After a setback in IPL 2025, CSK can go under a massive shuffle. During the mid-season of IPL 2025, they signed two young stars—Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis. Ahead of the new campaign, the franchise can opt to go with more emerging cricketers. MS Dhoni is with the club, and if Rainda joined the yellow brigade as a coaching staff, then their think tank can be looking very impressive and promising to push back the team on the right track to regain their glory days. As Raina said, after an internal meeting, the officials will make a final call about his possible appointment.