Chennai Super Kings are bringing back a familiar face as they reshape their coaching setup ahead of IPL 2027. Former India pacer Mohit Sharma is set to return to CSK as the franchise's new bowling coach, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter in his long association with the five-time IPL champions.
This time, however, Mohit will not be wearing the yellow jersey as a player. Instead, he will work behind the scenes and help prepare CSK's bowling attack for the upcoming season.
The appointment comes as part of a wider restructuring of the Chennai Super Kings support staff following Zaheer Khan's arrival as head coach. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that Mohit's name was recommended by Zaheer and that further additions to the coaching group are expected in the coming weeks.
Mohit Sharma to Become CSK Bowling Coach
Mohit Sharma will take over bowling-coach responsibilities from Eric Simons, who was part of the previous coaching structure under long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming.
Zaheer Khan has been given an important role in assembling the support staff for IPL 2027, and Mohit is among the first major additions to the revamped coaching unit.
The combination is particularly interesting because both Zaheer and Mohit have extensive experience as fast bowlers. While Zaheer will oversee the wider team as head coach, Mohit will be able to focus more closely on CSK's bowling group.
Further changes are expected as Chennai finalizes its complete support staff before the new IPL season.
Mohit Sharma Already Knows CSK Well
For Mohit, joining Chennai Super Kings as a coach represents a return to familiar surroundings.
The former India fast bowler represented CSK during four IPL seasons and appeared in 48 IPL matches for the franchise. He also played 10 matches for Chennai in the now-defunct Champions League T20 competition.
His earlier stint with CSK included one of the most memorable phases of his IPL career. Mohit won the Purple Cap in IPL 2014 after taking 23 wickets, establishing himself as one of the competition's leading fast bowlers during that period.
That previous experience could be useful in his new assignment. Unlike a coach arriving at CSK for the first time, Mohit is already familiar with the franchise and its cricketing culture.
Retirement Opened a New Chapter for Mohit
Mohit officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on December 3, 2025, bringing an end to a playing career that stretched for more than a decade.
He last appeared in the IPL for Delhi Capitals during the 2025 season. At the international level, Mohit represented India in 26 ODIs and eight T20Is, finishing with 31 ODI wickets and six T20I wickets.
He was also part of India's squad at the 2015 ODI World Cup.
Less than a year after announcing his retirement, Mohit is now preparing for his next major role in professional cricket. Instead of trying to outsmart batters with the ball himself, he will be expected to help CSK's bowlers with preparation, strategy and execution.
CSK Entering a New Era Under Zaheer Khan
Mohit's return comes during a significant transition for Chennai Super Kings.
CSK won their fifth IPL championship in 2023, but the franchise subsequently went three consecutive seasons without reaching the playoffs. The run of disappointing results was followed by the end of Stephen Fleming's long tenure as head coach.
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan was appointed as the new head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Fleming and beginning a new phase for the franchise.
One of Zaheer's first tasks has been to build the coaching group he wants around him. Mohit's appointment as bowling coach is a major step in that process.
Why Mohit's CSK Return Is Significant
Mohit brings a combination of recent IPL experience and an existing connection with Chennai Super Kings.
During his playing career, he operated in different phases of an innings and developed considerable experience in T20 bowling. His IPL journey included spells with CSK, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals.
For CSK, bringing back a former player also provides continuity at a time when the franchise is making significant changes to its coaching structure.
There could be more announcements before IPL 2027, with the franchise continuing to work on the rest of Zaheer Khan's support team.
For now, Mohit Sharma's return represents one of the clearest signs of CSK's new direction. More than a decade after making his mark for Chennai with the ball, he is returning to the franchise with an entirely different responsibility—helping prepare the next generation of CSK bowlers from the coaching setup.
