![MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1773810453077_MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina.jpg)
MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina [Source: AFP]
Over the last few days, there have been many rumours about former India cricketer Suresh Raina returning to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026).
Many reports suggested that Suresh Raina could join the franchise as part of the coaching staff after the team announced a pre-launch event for the new season. Due to his long association with the team, the news quickly caught the attention of fans.
However, the latest clarification from the CSK management has now given a clearer picture of the situation.
Suresh Raina’s long connection with CSK
Suresh Raina, who is fondly called “Chinna Thala”, has been one of the most important players in CSK’s history. He was one of the core players of the team and played a major role in several successful IPL campaigns. Because of his consistent performances and leadership qualities, he became one of the most loved players among CSK supporters.
However, things changed after the 2021 IPL season. Raina was released by the franchise and has not been a part of the team since then. Even so, his connection with CSK and its fans has remained strong.
CSK pre-season event sparks speculation
The rumours about Suresh Raina’s return started after reports emerged that he would attend CSK’s pre-season event scheduled for March 22. This event will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the home ground of the CSK.
Along with Suresh Raina, several other former CSK stars are expected to attend the event. These include legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo.
However, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who started his IPL career with CSK, is unlikely to attend.
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CSK CEO clears the air
However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has clearly denied these rumours. He explained that the event is only meant to connect with fans before the new IPL season begins.
“It is just a pre-launch for the season and an exercise in fan engagement. There is nothing more to read into it,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan clarified to Cricbuzz.
It is also worth noting that this could possibly be the final IPL season for MS Dhoni. Due to this, many fans were hoping to see a reunion between Suresh Raina and Dhoni at CSK once again. However, with the CSK denying the rumours, it now seems unlikely that the much-awaited reunion will happen.
Meanwhile, the pre-season event itself is expected to be a big celebration. Cricbuzz report suggests that around 19 to 20 former players will attend the event along with the current squad and support staff. The programme will run from 4 pm to 9 pm at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
In addition, the event will also feature a special performance by Oscar-winning music composer A. R. Rahman, which will make the occasion even more exciting for fans.
The franchise has also contacted other teams to check whether their coaching staff members can attend the event for a day. Notably, Muttiah Muralitharan, who is currently involved with the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp, has already confirmed his attendance.
Meanwhile, players like Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, who were part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, are expected to join the team camp by the day of the event.
Looking ahead, CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with an away match against the Rajasthan Royals. The match will be played in Guwahati on March 30.
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