Former India middle-order batter Suresh Raina was associated with Chennai Super Kings in the cash-rich Indian Premier League from 2008 to 2021, and he still holds the record for scoring the most runs for the Chennai-based franchise in T20s.
Raina, who is a four-time IPL and two-time Champions League winner with CSK, has donned the hat of an expert and commentator after his retirement from professional cricket. However, in a recent chat with his former India and CSK teammate Ravichandran Ashwin, he expressed his desire to be part of the Super Kings’ coaching set-up and stated that he has even asked the franchise for a coaching role but is yet to hear from them.
“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.
“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.
According to Raina, yellow is everything to him, and he would love to work with CSK in any capacity, with his priority being to win trophies.
“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.
The former left-handed batter, who is remembered as Mr. IPL, stated that he achieved a lot as player in the IPL and he wants to give his experience back to the players and help them do even better.
“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.
Ahead of the 2027 edition of the IPL, CSK have overhauled their coaching staff. Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has succeeded Stephen Fleming as the new head coach, while Mohit Sharma is the new bowling coach. Gareth Batty and Albie Morkel have also joined the five-time IPL champions as assistant coaches.
