Appointment of Sairaj Bahutule as Spin Bowling Coach
The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has announced the appointment of Sairaj Bahutule as the spin bowling coach for the Indian men’s cricket teams. This decision comes ahead of a crucial series, where India will host Afghanistan for a one-off Test match and a three-match ODI series starting this June. The BCCI confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, June 2nd, just days before the upcoming fixtures.
Bahutule will be working under head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief bowling coach Morne Morkel, and batting coach Sitangshu Kotak. Kotak expressed his excitement about the new role, stating:
“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as the Spin Bowling Coach of the Indian Men’s Cricket Team. Representing India as a player was a matter of immense pride, and the opportunity to contribute to Indian Cricket once again in a coaching capacity is deeply special. I look forward to working with the players and supporting the team’s pursuit of excellence across formats.”
Sairaj Bahutule’s Coaching Journey
Sairaj Bahutule has built a rich and diverse coaching career spanning domestic cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and national development pathways. He has been a key figure at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy, now known as the Centre of Excellence, where he worked from 2021 to 2024.
During this time, he regularly guided India A squads under the broader framework led by Rahul Dravid. He also took on senior responsibilities, including serving as a spin-bowling consultant during the 2022-23 home Test series against Australia and as an assistant coach on the Ireland tour.
Bahutule played a pivotal role in the success of India’s ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign in 2022, and he remained involved in the 2024 edition. His contributions were also evident when India secured gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, where he led the bowling unit.
IPL and Domestic Experience
In addition to his national team roles, Bahutule has extensive experience in the IPL. He served as the bowling coach for Rajasthan Royals from 2018 to 2021 before moving to Punjab Kings in 2025. His coaching career also includes stints with several domestic teams, such as Kerala, Bengal, Vidarbha, and Gujarat.
Despite only playing 2 Tests and 8 ODIs for the senior Indian team between 1997 and 2003, Bahutule has left a lasting legacy in domestic cricket. He concluded his first-class career with an impressive record of 630 wickets and over 6,000 runs, cementing his status as a domestic legend.
Key Contributions to Indian Cricket
Bahutule’s appointment marks a significant step in the evolution of India’s spin bowling strategy. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his experience in various coaching roles, makes him a valuable asset to the team. With the upcoming series against Afghanistan, his expertise is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the performance of India’s spin bowlers.
As the team prepares for its next set of challenges, Bahutule’s leadership and knowledge are anticipated to provide a strong foundation for the future of Indian cricket. His journey from a domestic cricketer to a respected coach highlights the importance of nurturing talent and developing strategies that can sustain success at the highest level.
