Former India spinner Sairaj Bahutule is all set to become the spin-bowling coach of the Indian men’s team for the next two years. With extensive experience, including experience with the Punjab Kings and in the NCA, Bahutul’s appointment is aimed at strengthening the Indian attack. His tenure is expected to begin with the Afghanistan series in June. Team India’s coaching staff currently includes batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, fast bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, with Bahutule now filling the role of spin-bowling coach. Mumbai: Former India and Mumbai tennis player Sairaj Bahutule will join the Indian men’s team as its spin-bowling coach, TOI has learnt. Bahutule is currently the spin-bowling coach of Punjab Kings and will part ways with the franchise after the ongoing IPL 2026 season.“Yes, Bahutule is all set to join Team India as its spin-bowling coach for the next two years. There was a need for an experienced spin-bowling coach to guide the Indian spinners and hence Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI top officials approached Bahutule,” a BCCI source confirmed to TOI on Friday.Bahutula’s tenure is expected to begin with the home series against Afghanistan in June.
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Strong domestic and international record
Bahutule, 53, played two Tests and eight ODIs for India between 1997 and 2003, taking five wickets. The former Mumbai all-rounder also featured in 188 first-class matches, taking a staggering 630 wickets at an average of 26.00 and scoring 6,176 runs at an average of 31.83.Over the years, Bahutule served as India’s bowling coach and spin-bowling consultant for around 10 tours and series during the tenures of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman who coached the Indian team on an interim basis. He was the head coach for India’s white-ball tour to South Africa in November 2024 and also the India Emerging team that visited Oman last year. He also worked as a bowling coach with the Indian teams that toured Ireland and Sri Lanka and at the 2023 Asian Games.
Great experience with Indian teams
Bahutule was the spin-bowling consultant to the Indian team during the 2022–23 home Test series against Australia at the insistence of then head coach Rahul Dravid. He has worked closely with many of India’s leading spinners as well as several upcoming talents.Bahutule, who has extensive coaching experience, was also the spin-bowling coach at the BCCI National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for three-and-a-half years from 2021 to 2024. He served as the spin-bowling coach of Rajasthan Royals from 2018 to 2021, he was also the head coach of Mumkar’s domestic teams, including Bengaluru, in 2021. Vidarbha, Kerala and Gujarat.
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Team India’s coaching staff currently includes batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, fast bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, with Bahutule now filling the role of spin-bowling coach.Bahutule could not be reached for comment.
