Former India international
The appointment, which sees Sharma replace Eric Simmons, was officially confirmed by Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan. According to the franchise, the decision to bring the former pacer on board was driven by a recommendation from Zaheer Khan, who is currently overseeing the restructuring of the team's coaching setup.
A Familiar Face Returns to Chennai
Mohit Sharma brings extensive experience to his new position, having previously enjoyed two separate stints as a player with the Chennai-based franchise. His history with the team is highlighted by a standout 2014 campaign, where he claimed the prestigious Purple Cap after securing 23 wickets. Across his career, he has featured in 120 Indian Premier League matches, accumulating 134 wickets in the process.
Beyond his time with Chennai, Sharma’s professional journey included notable spells with the Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and the Gujarat Titans. It was during his tenure with the Titans that he experienced a career resurgence, utilizing his variety and accuracy to claim 41 wickets over two seasons. Internationally, he represented India in 26 ODIs and eight T20Is, notably playing a key role in the 2015 World Cup squad under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, where he finished as the joint third-highest wicket-taker for his side.
Transitioning from the Field to the Dugout
The appointment follows Sharma’s formal retirement from all formats of professional cricket, which he announced in December of last year. In a farewell statement, the Haryana-born bowler expressed his gratitude toward the Haryana Cricket Association, the BCCI, and the various franchises he represented throughout his career, describing his time in the sport as a blessing.
With the coaching transition now underway, the franchise has indicated that further appointments to the support staff will be made in the coming weeks, all of which will be subject to the recommendations of Zaheer Khan. The move signals a clear intent from the Chennai Super Kings to integrate experienced former players into their leadership structure as they prepare for the upcoming season.
