After a poor IPL 2025 campaign, CSK could be heading towards some major changes for the next season. Their batting fell short this time around, with all their batters failing to perform when it mattered the most. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was also injured fairly early. Now, it seems the team is keen on roping in Suresh Raina as the batting coach for 2026, in place of Australian Michael Hussey.
Suresh Raina Back to CSK?
It seems, Suresh Raina, the former CSK all-rounder confirmed the same during commentary in the CSK vs GT encounter. He has excellent credentials, knows the team setup inside-out, and most importantly shares an excellent rapport with MS Dhoni. He, in fact, was part of the five title-winning teams with CSK, between 2008-2021.
In addition to that, Raina also is their all-time highest run-scorer and has 5529 runs under his belt. Meanwhile, it needs to be made clear, that no official announcement has been made by the franchise so far. And there is no clarity on the future of Hussey as well.
SURESH RAINA WILL BE BATTING COACH NEXT SEASON
.#CSKvsGT pic.twitter.com/HuRpTr3RoB— SANATANI HINDU (@Sanatan_Dharma8) May 25, 2025
To Take Over as New Batting Coach?
As far as the 2025 season is concerned, Shivam Dube was their highest scorer — getting 357 runs in 14 matches, at an average of 32. Ravindra Jadeja is second on the list with 301 runs at an average of 33. Newbie Ayush Mhatre scored 240 runs in 7 matches, in his very first season.
If Suresh Raina does join the team eventually, his biggest challenge will be to find a set of players who can play an aggressive brand of cricket, and yet to consistent. In the latter stages of the tournament, the team did find Mhatre, Dewald Brevis and Urvil Patel — and the team would like to persist with the three youngsters.
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