Chennai Super Kings (CSK)One of the most successful franchises of the Indian Premier League is gearing up for the start of the IPL 2026 season and the opening match is scheduled on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati. However, one topic dominated the conversations among fans in the pre-season – whether or not the former CSK star. Suresh Raina would return to the franchise as the team’s field coach.
Speculation quickly spread across social media and cricket circles, with many fans hoping to see their beloved ‘Chinna Thala’ in yellow. But CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan now he addressed the rumors and clarified the situation.
Suresh Raina as CSK field coach? Franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan provides updates
In a recent interaction with a Tamil news channel, Kasi Viswanathan vehemently denied reports linking Raina with the fielding coach role at CSK.
“Suresh Raina is not a fielding coach. This is a baseless rumour.”
After CSK shared a teaser on social media hinting at a “big announcement” It is scheduled for March 22. Fans were quick to speculate that the announcement could be about Raina returning to the franchise as a coach.
Given Raina’s legendary status with CSK and his long association with the team, the idea excited many fans. The former India striker was a key figure in CSK’s success during their dominant years and remains one of the most loved players in the franchise’s history.
However, the franchise has now confirmed that Raina will not be part of the coaching setup for the upcoming IPL season.
Who is the new field coach of CSK?
Although Raina is not returning to the coaching duties, CSK has indeed made a new addition to its support staff. Former England goalkeeper James Foster The field coach of the team for IPL 2026 has been appointed.
The 45-year-old brings a wealth of experience from both international cricket and franchise leagues. Foster previously worked as an on-field coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and has also featured for several T20 teams around the world, including Desert Vipers and Peshawar Zalmi.
Kasi Viswanathan had earlier confirmed the franchise’s plans to bring in a specialist for the role.
“We were looking for a field coach. I hope he joins us.”
Foster’s appointment comes at a crucial time for CSK as the franchise looks to rebuild after a difficult campaign in IPL 2025, where they finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time in their history.
He will work alongside an experienced coaching staff led by the English head coach Stephen Fleming. The support team also includes a batting coach Michael Husseybowling consultant Eric Simonsassistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram and fielding coach Rajiv Kumar.
Also READ: IPL 2026 – BCCI announces schedule for first phase; RCB will face SRH in the opening contest
He will captain CSK in the upcoming season Ruturaj Gaikwadwhile the legendary goalkeeper-batterer MS Dhoni will continue to be a part of the team, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to the team.
Another big development ahead of IPL 2026 is its arrival Sanju SamsonJoined the franchise through a trade from Rajasthan Royals. Samson’s move to CSK follows his remarkable performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, which is named after him. Player of the Tournament.
With new additions to both the coaching staff and playing staff, CSK will be hoping to bounce back strongly this season and get back to winning ways.
