[WATCH]: Suresh Raina set to join Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026

Suresh Raina, known affectionately as "Mr. IPL," has announced that he will return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026, this time not as a player but as a batting coach. The former Indian international made the announcement live on air, expressing his excitement to be able to teach the future stars of CSK. As a franchise legend, Raina's confirmed comeback has caused a frenetic rapture among CSK fans, who have long regarded him as one of the finest figures in their franchise history.

Raina's career in the IPL is sheer legitimate greatness. Over 205 matches, he achieved 5,528 runs off 4,095 balls with an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.76. He scored one century and thirty-nine half centuries, with a highest score of 100*. He always was a reliable middle-order batsman, and he contributed tremendously to many of the title runs CSK achieved. Raina also holds the record for the most catches without being a wicketkeeper in IPL history with 109 catches, showing his speed, agility, and ability to put his body on the line for the fans and franchise.

Meanwhile, CSK is currently showcasing their firepower in IPL 2025. In the match today against Gujarat Titans (GT), they put up a huge score of 231/4, with explosive half centuries from Devon Conway and young gun Dewald Brevis. At the halfway stage, GT found themselves a disappointing 85/3 after 10 overs, and they needed something special to mount a successful chase. This match really emphasizes CSK's overall strength and depth to their batting — something that Raina will be a big part of developing come next season.

Raina's New Role: Shaping the Yellow Brigade

Raina's role as a coach for CSK signifies the approach CSK takes in maintaining continuity and legacy. To this end, as the team sets sail for an era potentially beyond the chapter of Dhoni, Raina will provide technical alliance but also leadership potential from an emotional aspect of feeling rather than thinking. Raina knows how to connect with players and has genuine experience that he is more than qualified to exploit.

Watch the video here

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For fans and the franchise, Raina's return to the CSK dressing room, even without the bat, offers both nostalgia and fresh hope. The "Chinna Thala" is back, and this time to shape a fresh chapter off the field for CSK.