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

See Also: Watch: Shikhar Dhawan begins new life with girlfriend Sophie Shine in private ceremony

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.

Team India will begin their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a group match against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. The Men in Blue are the defending champions and are seen as strong favourites to retain the title under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav.

India won the 2024 T20 World Cup after beating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Men in Blue have won the ICC T20 World Cup twice. Before 2024, they lifted the trophy in 2007 in South Africa under the leadership of MS Dhoni. India also finished as runners-up in 2014 and reached the semi-finals in 2016 and 2022.

Over the years, several Indian batters have produced brilliant performances in the T20 World Cup. Ahead of the 2026 edition, here is a look at the top five highest individual scores by Indian batters in the ICC T20 World Cup.

Also read -Watch: “Marker to do” – Tilak Varma throws cap back during India’s T20 World Cup 2026 warmup match

5. Virat Kohli (82 off 53) vs Pakistan, Melbourne – 2022*

Virat Kohli played a sensational knock of 82 off 53 balls* against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the Super 12 match of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Thanks to his brilliant innings, India chased down a target of 160 on the last ball to win the thrilling match by four wickets.

India had a poor start in the chase and were 31-4 at one stage. Kohli then steadied the innings with Hardik Pandya (40 off 37), adding 113 runs for the fifth wicket. India needed 48 runs from the last three overs, but Kohli hit some stunning shots against Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. India sealed a famous last-ball victory.

4. Virat Kohli (82 off 51) vs Australia, Mohali – 2016*

Kohli scored a classy 82 off 51 balls* against Australia in Mohali during the Super 10 match of the 2016 T20 World Cup. His innings included nine fours and two sixes as India won the match by six wickets. The victory also helped India qualify for the semi-finals.

While chasing 161, India were struggling at 49-3 in the eighth over. Kohli then took control of the chase. He added 45 runs with Yuvraj Singh (21) and an unbeaten 67-run stand with *MS Dhoni (18)**. With 39 needed from 18 balls, Kohli attacked James Faulkner and Nathan Coulter-Nile, hitting several boundaries to finish the game in style.

3. Virat Kohli (89 off 47) vs West Indies, Mumbai – 2016*

Kohli followed his Australia heroics with another brilliant innings against West Indies in the second semi-final of the 2016 T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Batting first, India scored 192-2, with Kohli smashing 89 off 47 balls*, including 11 fours and one six.

After the openers added 62 runs, Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane (40) shared a 66-run partnership for the second wicket. Kohli reached his fifty in 33 balls and accelerated towards the end. He hit boundaries off Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell, but his effort went in vain as West Indies chased down the target.

2. Rohit Sharma (92 off 41) vs Australia, Gros Islet – 2024

Rohit Sharma played a stunning knock of 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup at Gros Islet. His innings included seven fours and eight sixes as India posted 205-5 and won the match by 24 runs.

India lost Virat Kohli for a duck, but Rohit dominated the bowling from the start. He took on Mitchell Starc, hitting four sixes and a four in one over. Rohit reached his fifty in just 19 balls and continued attacking. He was close to a hundred but was bowled by Starc.

1. Suresh Raina (101 off 60) vs South Africa, Gros Islet – 2010

Suresh Raina is the only Indian batter to score a century in the T20 World Cup. He smashed 101 off 60 balls against South Africa in a group match of the 2010 T20 World Cup at Gros Islet. His knock included nine fours and five sixes.

Batting first, India scored 186-5 and later restricted South Africa to 172-5, winning the match by 14 runs. Raina had some early luck as a catch off a no-ball saved him. He reached fifty in 42 balls and then accelerated strongly. He hit big shots in the final overs and brought up his historic century in the last over.

Cricket is a special genre in India because fans in the country follow cricket matches passionately. Taking their passion to a whole new level, the EBG Group has come up with the Tollywood Pro League in Hyderabad because they want to blend cricket action with entertainment for their fans.

Over the years, cricket has evolved from being a sporting activity; it has now become one of the primary forms of entertainment. This is what the Tollywood Pro League captures as it offers a stage where cricket and movies blend. It is exclusively for the Telugu film industry, which gives it a peculiar identity among all the other tournaments.

Following the official announcement, the leadership of the EBG Group spoke about the idea behind the league. The focus is on building a structured, long-term competition that celebrates talent, unity, and entertainment, while also delivering a high-quality experience to fans across the country.

Stars Light Up the Launch of Tollywood Pro League

The launch event in Hyderabad brought together famous names from both cricket and the film industry. Renowned film producer Dil Raju officially opened the tournament. Legendary cricketers Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, and the captain of the World Cup-winning team Kapil Dev also graced the event with their presence.

A number of known faces in the film industry were also in attendance, including Ashish Vidyarthi and Dino Morea. Their presence underlined the close link between films and cricket that the league wants to foster. The tournament will consist of six franchise-based teams and will be held in two seasons in a calendar year.

See Also: 'I’m a Long Way from Max' - Cooper Connolly on PBKS role after IPL 2026 auction pick

Sharing his vision, EBG Group Founder and Chairman Dr. Irfan Khan said, “Tollywood Pro League is not just a cricket tournament; it is a cultural movement built on dignity, structure and long-term vision. With TPL, our intent is to create a world-class platform that celebrates the Telugu film fraternity, strengthens unity within the industry and delivers a premium sports and entertainment experience for fans across the country. A defining pillar of the league is Alai Balai—an inclusion-led movement within TPL that ensures representation across every craft of the Telugu film industry.”

Indian cricketing fraternity, including the 2011 World Cup winning stars- Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and others, expressed their grief over the passing of legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89 on November 24 in a hospital in Mumbai.

The He-Man of Bollywood- Dharmendra- was battling with illness for a long time and was discharged from the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, and was told to be in a stable condition and recovering well at home, as the Indian players took to their X account to mourn over the actor’s demise.

See Also: Why Smriti Mandhana has removed all wedding photos from her Instagram profile?

“The end of an era. Bollywood’s beloved He-Man, Dharmendra Ji, is no more. His timeless films, warmth, and unforgettable legacy will continue to live in our hearts for generations. From a small village in Punjab to the heart of Indian cinema, his journey will forever inspire. Heartfelt tribute to the legend. Om Shanti.” The former batter, Kedar Jadhav, wrote.

Indian cricketers mourn the passing of Bollywood legend- Dharmendra

Dharmendra held the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi Cinema. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012 and made his debut in 1960 before gaining popularity in the 1960s for various films.

Dharamendra ji was not just a superstar—he was emotion, charm, and the soul of an entire generation of cinema. Thank you for the memories you gave us. Rest in peace, He-Man of Bollywood. Om Shanti. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/K4RFKwRvs7

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) November 24, 2025

Deeply saddened by the passing of a true Bollywood legend . An icon whose contribution to Indian cinema will live on generations . I have had the privilege to meet him in person on various occasions he was truly the He - man . Gone from our sight , but never from our hearts . pic.twitter.com/h9TEwLYYKI

— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) November 24, 2025

Every home had a favourite Dharmendra film. He was a part of our growing up and of Indian cinema’s finest years.

He brought strength, charm and honesty to every role, and carried Punjab’s warmth wherever he went.

Behind the fame was a humble, grounded and deeply human soul.… pic.twitter.com/116K0XHuP5

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 24, 2025

Heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra Ji — a timeless icon whose grace, strength, and unparalleled charm have left an everlasting mark on Indian cinema. From his powerful performances to his warmth both on and off screen, he touched countless hearts and inspired generations.
His films,… pic.twitter.com/pfgQlDkQsE

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 24, 2025

धर्मेन्द्र जी सिर्फ अभिनेता नहीं थे, एक युग थे।
सादगी में सितारा, ताकत में ही-मैन और दिल में सोना।
उनकी फ़िल्में, उनका अंदाज़ और उनकी गर्मजोशी
पीढ़ियों तक याद रखी जाएगी।
एक महान कलाकार,
ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति दे। ॐ शांति #Dharmendra pic.twitter.com/fzaBN6kFrP

— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 24, 2025

Today, we have lost a legend of Indian cinema who captivated hearts with his charm and his talent. A true icon who inspired everyone who watched him. May the family find strength in this tough time. My sincere condolences to the whole family. 🙏🙏

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 24, 2025

Ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline, Chennai Super Kings reportedly contemplate a major trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson. However, CSK's former star Suresh Raina issued a stern warning for his former team as he asked them not to let Jadeja leave the franchise at any cost.

Reports suggest that Jadeja’s future with CSK has been uncertain for some time. According to sources, the franchise is exploring a player swap deal that could see Jadeja and one of Sam Curran or Matheesha Pathirana move to Rajasthan in exchange for Sanju Samson. Samson, who has captained the Royals since 2021, is being viewed as a potential long-term successor to MS Dhoni behind the stumps once the veteran retires.

The proposed trade has elicited mixed feelings amongst fans and analysts alike. Jadeja, who joined CSK in 2011, has been a very important cog in multiple title wins, thanks to his match-winning performances with bat and ball. His long-standing connection with MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina has made him one of the most loved figures in the franchise’s history.

Raina Backs Jadeja and Lists Key Players CSK Must Retain

Speaking to JioStar ahead of the retention deadline, Suresh Raina said Jadeja is irreplaceable and must remain with the team. “Noor Ahmad should be retained. He’s a mystery spinner, so he must be kept. MS Dhoni should definitely be retained; he is playing this year, so he should remain with the team. Ruturaj Gaikwad should continue as captain. Ravindra Jadeja should be retained again. He is a gun player for CSK. He has done really, really well for the team over the years, so ‘Sir Ravindra Jadeja’ has to be there,” Raina stated.

Watch the video here

Noor Ahmad 👀
Devon Conway 🤔
Ravindra Jadeja ❓

After a tough season last year, @ImRaina takes on the ‘Hold or Fold’ challenge featuring #CSK players! Find out who makes the cut! 🤨

WATCH TATA IPL 2026 Retention Special 👉🏻 SAT, 15th NOV, 5 PM on Star Sports Network &… pic.twitter.com/zPSdANemav

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 9, 2025

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The former vice-captain also suggested releasing a few players to refresh the squad ahead of the mini-auction. He said, “Devon Conway should be released. CSK need a local opener, which they will look for in the mini-auction. Vijay Shankar has already received plenty of chances, so I think CSK should release him as well. Deepak Hooda should be released too. There are a lot of players available in the mini-auction who can provide the same combination for the team. These players got their chances last year, and we saw how they played. So, probably CSK will have to look for someone new.”

In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹11.14 crore belonging to former Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the illegal betting platform 1xBet.

According to reports from The Times of India, the ED’s action comes as part of a wider crackdown on online betting and financial irregularities involving several celebrity endorsements. The assets in question have been temporarily seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Investigation Details

1xBet, an offshore betting company, has been accused of defrauding users and evading taxes running into several crores. As per the report:

• Suresh Raina was questioned for over eight hours regarding his promotional association with the platform.
• Shikhar Dhawan, who had also collaborated with 1xBet for advertising campaigns, is yet to appear before the ED. His statement is expected to be recorded in the coming days.

The case highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal betting and financial fraud, which have recently come under increased scrutiny following similar actions against multiple online platforms.

ALSO SEE: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Venues Revealed

Players’ Careers

Both Dhawan and Raina were key members of India’s white-ball cricket setup for over a decade:

• Shikhar Dhawan: 167 ODIs, 34 Tests, and 68 T20Is (Last appearance: ODI, 2022)
• Suresh Raina: 226 ODIs, 18 Tests, and 78 T20Is (Last appearance: ODI, 2018)

Dhawan, renowned for his explosive starts in ICC tournaments, last represented India in 2022, while Raina, one of India’s most consistent middle-order batters and a 2011 World Cup winner, retired from international cricket in 2020.

The ED’s move marks a significant step in the ongoing probe, with more developments expected in the coming weeks as the investigation widens into celebrity involvement with betting companies.

India’s upcoming tour of Australia in 2025 will feature a full white-ball schedule, including three ODIs and five T20Is. The series begins with the ODI opener in Perth on Sunday, October 19, setting the stage for a thrilling contest between the two sides.

The ODI leg of the tour will see the return of India’s senior stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, marking their first appearances in international cricket this season. Additionally, the series will be the debut leadership assignment for Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain, taking over the reins from Rohit.

Following the 50-over matches, India and Australia will face off in a five-match T20I series, starting October 29 in Canberra. Fans in India can catch all eight white-ball fixtures live on Star Sports, with online streaming available via the JioHotstar app and website, ensuring supporters don’t miss any action from Down Under.

See Also: ‘I Don't Even Know Who He Is…’- Ex-ICC umpire criticizes Mohsin Naqvi over Asia Cup trophy controversy

IND vs AUS 2025: Commentary Team in English, Hindi, Regional Languages:

On October 15, Star Sports announced the complete commentary lineup for the India-Australia tour. The panel features former Indian stars like Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, and Ravi Shastri, along with ex-Australians including Matthew Hayden and David Warner.

Star Sports will telecast the IND vs AUS 2025 series in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Fans can enjoy commentary and insights in their preferred language, with a full lineup of presenters and commentators covering all matches across the network.

English Commentary Panel:

Ravi Shastri, Adam Gilchrist, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Robin Uthappa, Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Mark Waugh, David Warner, Abhinav Mukund.

Hindi Commentary Panel:

Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Parthiv Patel, Jatin Sapru, Aakash Chopra, Varun Aaron, Abhishek Nayar, Anant Tyagi.

Telugu Commentary Panel:

MSK Prasad, Venugopal Rao, Kalyan Krishna, Vindhya Vishaka, Kaushik NC, Suman Tirumalasetti, Ashish Reddy, Akshath Reddy, Prathyusha Sadhu.

Tamil Commentary Panel:

Kris Srikkanth, Sadagopan Ramesh, Sridharan Sriram, Bhavna Balakrishnan, Sameena Anwar, Muthu Pradeep, S Badrinath, Anirudha Srikkanth, Abhinav Mukund, KB Arun Karthik, Nanee, Ashwath Mukunthan.

Kannada Commentary Panel:

Vijay Bharadwaj, Vinay Kumar, Srinivas Murthy, Kiran Srinivas, Madhu Mailankody, Krishnappa Gowtham, Pavan Deshpande, Bharat Chipli, Sumesh Goni, Reena DSouza.

Former cricketer Suresh Raina recently added a new point to the ongoing discussion about India’s talented wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. He also showed support for him in India’s T20I squad, despite Kishan’s omission from the 2025 Asia Cup team. Speaking on a YouTube podcast, Raina praised Kishan’s class and temperament. He also said that Kishan is the most underrated batsman in the world.

The left-hand batter has not played for the national team for many years. Ishan Kishan will not feature in East Zone’s opening match of the 2025 Duleep Trophy, as he is recovering from a minor injury in the UK. The incident happened during his time with Nottinghamshire, where he reportedly suffered cuts and needed stitches after falling off an e-bike.

Although the injury is not serious, he has been kept out as a precaution, considering his potential selection for the India A squad next month. This is also the reason why he will miss the Asia Cup squad.

Also Read -WATCH: Highlights of Rinku Singh's hammering 78* off 48 innings in UP T20 League

Raina Calls Ishan Kishan the Most Underrated Player

Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube podcast, Suresh Raina named fellow left-hander Ishan Kishan as the most underrated player. He said that Kishan can play many strong shots and has done well in his career so far.

“(Most underrated batsman) – Ishan Kishan. He is a very strong player. He has done really well. When he performs, he hits powerful shots,” Raina said. Notably, Ishan Kishan made a century on his SRH debut in IPL 2025. He scored an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls, which helped the 2016 champions reach 286/6 in 20 overs.

Suresh Raina said - "Ishan Kishan is the Most underrated Batsman in the World". (Shubhankar Mishra YT). pic.twitter.com/tg9KeRTqLI

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 31, 2025

Replacement Named: Aashirwad Swain Steps In

In Kishan’s absence, Odisha’s Aashirwad Swain has been added to the East Zone squad. Jharkhand’s Kumar Kushagra is expected to keep wickets as the first-choice when East Zone takes on North Zone, led by Shubman Gill, in the quarterfinal starting August 28 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), Bengaluru.

Why Kishan Missed the England Test Call-Up?

Kishan’s injury also affected his national team chances. He was not considered as a replacement for Rishabh Pant in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval due to his recovery. Instead, Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan was sent as the back-up keeper to Dhruv Jurel. The Jharkhand-based batter is expected to undergo fitness tests at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. For Kishan, the main focus is full recovery before a possible call-up to the India A squad, which will host Australia A in two four-day matches next month.

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." 

Read More: [WATCH] Craziest hit-wicket on wide delivery during CPL 2025 as video goes viral

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. 

It was a very surprising decision from the selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) when they appointed the Test captain of the Blue Brigade as their new vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which starts on September 09 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) across two venues- Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Many reckoned that Axar Patel should have been the new vice-captain of the side after getting the leadership during the previous home T20I series against England. However, most of them forgot that Hardik Pandya was the leader of the side when Rohit Sharma, the former leader, used to take breaks. The former Indian all-rounder, Suresh Raina, has expressed his wish to see the Baroda player as the new Indian leader.

See Also: CPL 2025, Match 16: Trinbago Knight Riders vs Barbados Royals full match highlights and scorecard

“Gill is anyway ahead of Shreyas Iyer (for captaincy), but in white-ball cricket, I think Hardik Pandya will do a lot of good as a captain. He has the experience of Kapil Dev with performances in the batting, bowling, and fielding departments. He is a very positive guy. He is also the captain and gives me a glimpse of Mahi bhai. The way he conducts the team is something I like a lot.” Raina expressed during a podcast video with Shubhankar Mishra.

Suresh Raina wants Hardik Pandya to lead India in T20 World Cup 2026

The 31-year-old pace all-rounder has overall smashed 1812 runs in 90 innings at an average of 27.87 and a strike rate of 141.67, besides picking up 94 wickets at an average of 26.43 and a strike rate of 19.3 and an economy rate of just over eight with the best bowling figure of 4/16 in an inning.

Statements by Suresh Raina:
- Gill over Iyer any day
- Hardik will do miracles as captain
- He has Kapil dev level experience
- He is a player's Captain
- He gives me glimpses of MS Dhoni

Anyways Hardik is always there as a leader,Target Asia cup and T20wc ❤️ pic.twitter.com/c28RZtTQvz

— Nenu (@Nenu_yedavani) August 30, 2025

Hardik was one of the biggest reasons for India winning the T20 World Cup. His inclusion brought balance in the playing eleven as he gave the option of batting at number six and also contributed with four overs in the middle.

During the 2025 season of the IPL, the veteran smashed 224 runs at an average of 24.88 and a strike rate of 163.50, with the best score of unbeaten 48 runs, besides bagging 14 wickets in 14 innings at an average of 24.42. He will look to hold the same rhythm during the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.