Is Suresh Raina the new batting coach for CSK? Assistant Coach responds

New Delhi (India) May 26: Former Chennai Super Kings batsman Suresh Raina made a suggestion on a possible reunion with the team next year when he was commentating on Sunday's final IPL 2025 match between the Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

A surprising comment made by Suresh Raina was quickly interpreted by CSK supporters and social media as a clue that the CSK legend would rejoin the team as a batting coach.

During the conversation, Raina mentioned that talks were on to appoint a batting coach for CSK in the 2026 IPL. In an attempt to get more details from Raina, Chopra asked him whether the new batting coach's initials begin with the letter "S."

Raina replied, “he has made the fastest fifty (laughs).” 

Raina's 16-ball fifty against the Punjab Kings in 2014, for those who don't know, was the second-fastest fifty of that year.

"Chalo ho gaya bhai, you heard it first here!" Chopra then said, clearly confirming what Raina had jokingly said.

Due to copyright issues, the viral video has been taken down from social media.

Raina's cryptic revelation led to rumours that the team may be thinking of replacing current batting coach Mike Hussey, who has served the role since 2018. Raina has scored 5,528 runs in IPL with one hundred and 39 fifties. Raina is the second most scoring batsman for CSK with 4,867 runs in IPL.

Assistant coach of CSK Sridharan Sriram remained silent when he was asked if there was any news regarding Suresh Raina's possible return to coaching duties with the team.

Sriram said with a small smile, “I don't know. I have to ask him if he said that.” during the post-match press conference.

A debate concerning Dhoni's position in the team also took place between former Indian cricket players Suresh Raina, Aakash Chopra, and RP Singh. The concerns over his batting position and level of fitness were also discussed throughout the conversation.

Akash Chopra asked, "If MS Dhoni wasn't an uncapped Indian, would he have been a part of the CSK team this year?" 

In response, Raina replied, "Absolutely, he has been with the team for 18 years. Even now, he hits the most sixes.”

The 44-year-old Dhoni has said that he will take many months to decide whether to return for the upcoming season and he now only wants to go back home and enjoy bike rides.

CSK had a terrible IPL 2025 season, winning only four of their 14 games. It is the first time in 18 seasons that CSK has been placed at the bottom of the points table.

Aadrika Tayal