Suresh Raina announces willingness to become CSK coach

Indian Premier League (IPL) legend Suresh Raina has expressed his desire to return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a coaching role. The former middle-order batter revealed that he has already approached the five-time IPL champions about a potential role ahead of the upcoming season.

Raina was one of the franchise's most successful batters during his 11 seasons with the team. He scored 4,687 runs in 176 matches for CSK and played a key role in their four IPL title wins. He played his final IPL match in October 2021 and announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in September 2022.

Suresh Raina Approaches CSK Management for Coaching Role Ahead of IPL 2027

Speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel, Suresh Raina revealed that he had already approached the five-time champions about a possible role but was waiting for the management to make a decision.

"I’ve played almost 16 or 17 years in the IPL. I’ve scored enough for us (CSK), played in finals, and handled a lot of high-pressure games. I’ve asked them (CSK), and now it’s on them to decide. It’s their team now – we (Raina and Ashwin) are both retired, so they have to make the call," Raina said.

"I would love to work with them in any capacity! For me, as long as I’m with the boys and they’re winning trophies, that’s what matters – because yellow is everything to us," Raina said.

"We’ve done our part, won trophies, and lifted titles together. Now, they need to see how we can contribute to CSK. I’ve been playing since day one, so if they feel I’m capable," he added.

'I Just Want to Give That Back to the Players' - Raina on His CSK Coaching Ambition

Suresh Raina believes his experience in international cricket, the IPL and World Cups can help younger players handle pressure and maintain consistency. He also recalled playing nine or ten finals alongside Dhoni and winning four of them, while highlighting his record as the highest run-scorer in IPL playoffs.

"I’ve played international cricket, the IPL, and World Cups, so I’ve experienced every side of the game. I know what kind of pressure you face, especially when playing so many finals—winning some, losing some. I’ve learned how to handle that pressure and how to get the best out of yourself mentally. We must have played nine or ten finals together and won four of them. I’m still the highest run-scorer in IPL playoffs, so I know what I’ve achieved in this tournament, and I just want to give that back to the players," Raina said.

"They’re doing really well and playing an aggressive, different brand of cricket, Ash. But they still need someone who can guide them on managing stress and workload. It’s not about lecturing them on technique—it’s all about how to stay consistent season after season, and that’s what truly matters," he added.

Suresh Raina Identifies Three Key Areas CSK Must Address Before IPL 2027 Auction

CSK have already overhauled their coaching staff ahead of the 2027 season. Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has replaced Stephen Fleming as head coach, while Mohit Sharma has joined as bowling coach. Gareth Batty and Albie Morkel have also become assistant coaches.

The franchise has confirmed that it will not appoint a designated batting coach. However, CSK are exploring the possibility of using Batty as a batting mentor. MS Dhoni, who remains part of the playing squad, could also provide informal guidance to the batters and possibly take on a mentoring role.

During his conversation with Ashwin, Suresh Raina identified three areas CSK should address at the December 16, 2026, mini-auction. He wants the franchise to sign a wicket-taking spinner who can bowl during the powerplay, recalling Ravichandran Ashwin's contributions to their early title-winning campaigns.

Suresh Raina recommended signing a quality left-arm fast bowler, citing former CSK pacer Doug Bollinger as an example of the type of wicket-taking option the franchise needs.

He wants CSK to strengthen their lower-order batting with an all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. He recalled the contributions of Dwayne Bravo, Albie Morkel and Ravindra Jadeja, who provided balance to the team during their successful campaigns.