NEW DELHI: Former India bowler Mohit Sharma is set to join the Zaheer Khan-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) support staff as the bowling coach starting next season. It is reliably learnt that discussions are underway between the two parties and barring a late change of heart, a formal announcement is likely soon.Mohit last played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Delhi Capitals but has had two stints with CSK previously, spanning four seasons. He replaces Eric Simmons as the bowling coach.The development was confirmed by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan. “Mohit will join CSK as our new bowling coach. His name was recommended by our head coach Zaheer Khan. Mohit was tremendous with us as a player as well and we hope he will do a great job as bowling coach,” Viswanathan told TimesofIndia.com.“The next set of coaching staffs will also be recruited on Zaheer’s recommendation in the coming weeks,” he added.The 38-year-old Mohit has played 120 fixtures in the IPL and has 134 wickets to his name. He had a second wind of sorts during his time at Gujarat Titans, where he emerged as the side’s consistent wicket-taker due to his variety and accuracy. Sharma picked up 41 wickets in the two seasons he spent at GT. He also represented Punjab Kings from 2016 to 2018.The Haryana bowler announced his retirement from professional cricket in December last year.“Today, with a full heart, I announce my retirement from all formats of cricket. From representing Haryana to wearing the India jersey and playing in the IPL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing.”“A very special thank you to the Haryana Cricket Association for being the backbone of my career. And my deepest gratitude to Anirudh Sir, whose constant guidance and belief in me shaped my path in ways words cannot express. Thank you to the BCCI, my coaches, my teammates, IPL franchises, support staff and all my friends for their love and support,” Mohit wrote in an emotional retirement post.His journey with the Indian team will be remembered for the 2015 World Cup under MS Dhoni, where he was the joint third-highest wicket-taker. As far as the IPL is concerned, 2014 was his best outing — he won the Purple Cap after taking 23 wickets — and it came in CSK’s colours.Mohit has played 26 ODIs and eight T20Is for India and picked up 31 and six wickets, respectively.
