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Spin Master Sairaj Bahutule Joins India's Coaching Staff
2 Jun
Summary
- Sairaj Bahutule appointed as spin-bowling coach for India's national team.
- Bahutule brings experience from IPL and domestic coaching roles.
- He played two Tests and eight ODIs for India between 1997-2003.
Sairaj Bahutule, a former Indian leg-spinner, has been appointed as the spin-bowling coach for the men's national team. This appointment comes ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in New Chandigarh from June 6 to June 10. Bahutule will be responsible for India's spin department across all formats.
Bahutule joins the national setup following his recent role as spin-bowling coach for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League 2026. His coaching journey includes valuable experience with domestic teams like Kerala and Bengal, and a previous tenure with Rajasthan Royals from 2018 to 2021.
Further contributing to his coaching credentials, Bahutule worked at the National Cricket Academy, supporting India A teams and senior men's assignments. He also had a stint with Rajasthan Royals during IPL 2025 before his move to Punjab Kings.
As a player, Bahutule represented India in two Test matches and eight One-Day Internationals between 1997 and 2003. He enjoyed a highly successful domestic career, claiming 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches.
In his new capacity, Bahutule will collaborate with head coach Gautam Gambhir and other support staff, including Sitanshu Kotak (batting) and Morne Morkel (fast bowling). India is currently sixth in the World Test Championship standings. The Afghanistan Test marks India's first red-ball match of 2026, occurring shortly after IPL 2026 concludes.
