Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has roped in Eric Simons as bowling consultant ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League season (IPL) 2018. The former South Africa player joins an experienced supporting staff od CSK which already comprises of head-coach Stephen Fleming, batting coach Michael Hussey and bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji.

Former South Africa pacer Simons, who has been the head coach of the Proteas and the bowling coach of the Indian national squad during the men in blue’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup, has also worked as the coach of the Delhi Daredevils franchise previously. In 2016, he was appointed as the coach of the new team Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) and was with them in 2017 as well.

Also read: CSK reveals their pricipal team partner

Talking about his appointment, the former Indian bowling coach said, “CSK has always carried an aura of success and confidence which makes it a great privilege to be a part of the franchise and to be a part of the inner workings of such a successful team.”

Yello Lions! The newest Lion in the Pride is from the South African Safari! Put your whistles together for Eric Simons, our Bowling Consultant. For a super awesome summer ahead! #SummerIsComing 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/TBDiMXBTAH

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 14, 2018

Simons already has an experience of coaching in IPL and talking about the same, he said, “In every IPL tournament, CSK are seen as one of the teams to beat. CSK have been pacesetters in many ways but particularly in the way they have set up their team balance and always maintained a great consistency in squad selection. One always sensed that the team (members) were proud to represent CSK.”

Also read: IPL 2018 schedule

Eric didn’t even shy away from praising M.S. Dhoni for the latter’s contribution to the growth of CSK. He said, “No other IPL franchise has been defined by an individual in the manner in which M.S. defines CSK. His record as a player and as a captain across many years is there for all to see.”

Considering the fact that CSk already has a bowling coach already in their kitty, the appointment of Simons as a bowling consultant could perhaps be termed as needless. However, at the same time, the presence of a veteran like Eric in the dressing room is bound to bring in plenty of experience on to the table.