Sairaj Bahutule Appointed India Spin-Bowling Coach Ahead Of Afghanistan One-Off Test
Former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule has joined the men’s national team as spin-bowling coach ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, scheduled from June 6 to 10, according to ESPNcricinfo.
The 53-year-old will oversee India’s spin department across formats. Bahutule joins the Indian camp after a stint with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, where he served as the franchise’s spin-bowling coach.
Over the years, the former Indian cricketer has built extensive coaching experience, having worked with domestic sides Kerala and Bengal, as well as spending time with Rajasthan Royals (RR) between 2018 and 2021.
He later joined the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he worked with India A teams and was part of the support staff during several senior men’s assignments under former head coach Rahul Dravid. Bahutule returned to Rajasthan for the IPL 2025 season before taking up his latest role with Punjab Kings.
As a player, Bahutule represented India between 1997 and 2003, featuring in two Test matches and eight One-Day Internationals. Despite limited opportunities at the international level, he enjoyed a highly successful domestic career spanning nearly two decades. The leg-spinner claimed 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches and picked up 197 wickets in 143 List A games.
