South African Eric Simmons was on Wednesday retained as India's bowling coach for the World Twenty20 [ Images ] Championships starting next month in the West Indies [ Images ].

Simmons was originally appointed only for the Indian cricket team's January tour of Bangladesh and the subsequent series against South Africa [ Images ] at home.

He is currently serving as the assistant coach of Indian Premier League [ Images ] team Delhi Daredevils [ Images ].

The 47-year-old Simmons was a medium-pace bowler and a handy lower-order batsman and played 23 One-Day Internationals between 1994 and 1995.

Apparently, India coach Gary Kirsten has also played under Simmons when he was South Africa coach from 2002-04.

The team will be without a fielding coach during the April 30 to May 16 event.