Sairaj Bahutule Set to Join Indian Cricket Team as Spin Bowling Coach
Upcoming Test Series Against Afghanistan
The Indian cricket team is scheduled to play a Test series against Afghanistan starting June 6 at home. In light of the team's busy international calendar, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to introduce a new face to the support staff. The Indian team's recent performances in home Test matches have not met expectations, largely due to the underwhelming performance of the spin bowlers. Consequently, the BCCI is reportedly close to appointing former player Sairaj Bahutule, who has taken over 600 wickets in domestic cricket, as the new spin bowling coach, with an official announcement expected soon.
Bahutule's Previous Experience with Team India
Sairaj Bahutule has transitioned into coaching after retiring from cricket and has gained significant experience in this field. He has previously been part of the Indian team's support staff, contributing during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Sri Lanka tour. Additionally, he has worked extensively at the National Cricket Academy under the guidance of VVS Laxman. In his international career, Bahutule played 8 One Day Internationals and 2 Test matches, claiming a total of 5 wickets. However, his domestic record is impressive, with 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches and 197 wickets in 143 List A matches.
Current Role with Punjab Kings in IPL 2026
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sairaj Bahutule has been associated with various franchises, and currently, he is part of the Punjab Kings' support staff for the ongoing 19th season, where the team has shown remarkable performance. To join the Indian team’s support staff, he will need to terminate his current contract with Punjab Kings. Presently, the Indian support staff includes Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, Morne Morkel as the bowling coach, T. Dilip as the fielding coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate as the assistant coach, but there is currently no specialist spin bowling coach.