Former India batter Suresh Raina has expressed his desire to return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) setup in a coaching capacity ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The franchise legend revealed that he has already approached the management regarding a possible coaching role but is yet to receive a response. Raina represented CSK in the Indian Premier League from 2008 to 2021 and remains the franchise’s leading run-scorer in T20 cricket.
Fondly known as ‘Mr. IPL’, the left-handed batter played a significant role in the team’s success, winning four IPL titles and two Champions League trophies during his association with the Chennai-based franchise. Since retiring from professional cricket, Raina has worked as a cricket expert and commentator. However, he now wants to use his experience to guide the next generation of CSK players. During a recent conversation with former India and CSK teammate Ravichandran Ashwin, he explained why he believes he can contribute to the team’s coaching setup.
“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,” Suresh Raina said.
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He further added that both he and Ashwin had already contributed significantly to CSK’s success as players and that the franchise must now decide how they can be involved in its future.
Raina made it clear that he would be happy to work with CSK in any capacity, emphasising that the team’s success matters more to him than a particular designation. “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,” he said.
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Mr. IPL Suresh Raina wants coaching role with Chennai Super Kings.
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The former batter believes his experience of playing international cricket, World Cups and several high-pressure IPL matches could help young players develop the mental strength required to perform consistently.
Raina also highlighted his record in IPL playoffs, where he remains the leading run-scorer. Recalling his experience of playing nine or ten finals alongside Ashwin and winning four of them, he said he wants to pass on the lessons he learned throughout his career. According to Raina, CSK already play an aggressive and distinctive brand of cricket, but players could benefit from additional guidance on handling stress, workload and maintaining consistency across multiple seasons.
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Meanwhile, CSK have made significant changes to their coaching setup ahead of the 2027 IPL season. Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has replaced Stephen Fleming as head coach, while Mohit Sharma has taken charge as the bowling coach. Gareth Batty and Albie Morkel have also joined the five-time IPL champions as assistant coaches, marking a fresh chapter in the franchise’s coaching structure.
