Mohit Sharma is set to join Chennai Super Kings as the franchise’s new bowling coach ahead of the 2027 IPL season. The former India international, who has previously represented CSK as a player, is expected to become the first member of newly appointed head coach Zaheer Khan’s support staff.
The 38-year-old is set to replace Eric Simmons, who worked as CSK’s bowling coach under long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming.
According to information from Cricbuzz, Mohit is expected to formally sign his agreement with the franchise soon. His appointment would mark the beginning of Zaheer’s process of assembling his coaching team for the upcoming season.
Mohit to Work Under Zaheer Khan
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Zaheer is currently working on finalising his support staff and indicated that Mohit has emerged as the preferred candidate for the bowling coach position.
Zaheer was recently appointed as CSK’s new head coach after the franchise and Fleming ended their long association. The former India fast bowler is now putting together his coaching setup ahead of his first season in charge.
Mohit would become the first major addition to that support team if the deal is completed as expected.
The appointment also brings together two former India players, with Zaheer’s experience as an international fast bowler complementing Mohit’s knowledge of modern T20 bowling.
Mohit’s Long Association With CSK
Mohit is no stranger to the Chennai Super Kings setup. He played four seasons for the franchise during his IPL career and made 48 appearances for CSK.
In addition to his IPL appearances, Mohit also represented the franchise in the Champions League T20, making 10 appearances across two seasons of the now-defunct competition.
His experience with CSK means he already has an understanding of the franchise’s environment and expectations.
Mohit last played in the IPL during the 2025 season before announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket in December of the same year. He now looks set to begin a new phase of his career in coaching.
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From India International to Bowling Coach
Mohit represented India in eight T20Is during his playing career. He was particularly recognised for his variations and ability to operate effectively in limited-overs cricket.
His transition into coaching provides him with an opportunity to use that experience to work with the next generation of bowlers.
As a former T20 player with extensive IPL experience, Mohit can bring practical knowledge of the demands faced by bowlers in the shortest format.
Working under Zaheer could also give him an opportunity to further develop his coaching credentials alongside one of India’s most experienced former fast bowlers.
CSK Yet to Finalise Batting Coach
While Mohit’s appointment as bowling coach appears close to completion, CSK are yet to finalise their batting coach for the 2027 season.
Michael Hussey has held the batting coach position until the current season and had also reportedly been considered for the head coach role before Zaheer’s appointment.
The franchise is understood to be considering three or four candidates for the batting coach position. A final decision is yet to be made.
CSK are therefore still completing the composition of their support staff as Zaheer prepares to take charge of the team.
CSK Looking to Rebuild After Difficult Run
The changes in the coaching structure come after a difficult period for CSK.
The franchise won its fifth IPL title in 2023, but has failed to reach the playoffs in each of the following three seasons. That run eventually led to the end of Fleming’s long tenure as head coach.
Fleming had been in charge of CSK for 18 years and was one of the longest-serving coaches in the IPL. His departure represents a significant change for the franchise.
Zaheer’s appointment has therefore opened a new chapter, with CSK now putting together a fresh coaching structure ahead of the 2027 campaign.
New Coaching Team Taking Shape
With Mohit set to take over the bowling responsibilities, Zaheer has begun shaping the support staff that will work alongside him.
Mohit’s previous experience as a CSK player, India international and IPL bowler makes him a familiar figure to the franchise. His knowledge of the league and the demands of T20 cricket could prove useful as CSK prepare for another campaign.
The batting coach remains the major position still to be filled, with several candidates reportedly under consideration.
Once the remaining appointments are completed, Zaheer will have his full support structure in place as CSK look to move forward from their recent struggles and prepare for the 2027 IPL season.
