Suresh Raina keen to join CSK coaching staff, tells franchise of his wish

All teams have begun preparing for IPL 2027, and there is considerable activity in the Chennai Super Kings camp too. While talk continues over whether former India captain and Chennai star Mahendra Singh Dhoni will play in 2027, discussion has now begun about Suresh Raina returning to CSK.

Raina, a CSK great and former India batter, is said to be eager to rejoin the franchise. It is reported that he has recently expressed a wish to join CSK's coaching staff, and that he has asked the franchise directly for a place in the coaching setup. It remains to be seen whether Raina will be seen in a CSK jersey again.

Raina spoke to former CSK and India player R. Ashwin on a YouTube channel. In that conversation he said, "I have put my wish before the franchise. Now the final decision is theirs to take. The most important thing for me will be to stay associated with Chennai Super Kings and help the team win the IPL trophy once more."

Raina played for CSK from 2008 to 2021. He is counted among the finest batters in IPL history. He now appears keen to work in a new role in the IPL.

After retiring from international cricket, Raina built a distinct identity as a cricket expert and commentator. It now seems he wants to work on the field directly for CSK as a strategist.

In IPL circles Raina is known as "Mr IPL". He holds the record of scoring more than 500 runs in every IPL season. Playing for Chennai Super Kings in particular, he won several matches single-handedly. For this reason, the possibility of Raina being seen as CSK's coach or part of its coaching staff in the coming days is being discussed.