Former Indian leg spinner Sairaj Bahutule It is reported that he will join the team Indiabecause of his result as their new spin bowling coach IPL 2026. The move is believed to be part of BCCI’s plans to further strengthen the support staff under the head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of a packed international schedule across formats.
Bahutule is currently working as a spin bowling coach Kings of Punjab (PBKS) It works closely with the spin department of the franchise during IPL 2026 and throughout the season. Reports suggest that his performance in the tournament has impressed the Indian team management and led to discussions about a possible role with the senior national team.
Sairaj Bahutule’s experience strengthens India’s coaching set-up
Bahutule brings extensive coaching experience at both local and franchise levels. Before joining Punjab Kings, he worked with Rajasthan Royals (RR) was also related to National Cricket Academy (NCA)where he played an important role in the development of young Indian cricketers.
He has also worked with India A sides and several domestic teams over the years and is known for his technical understanding of spin bowling and his ability to mentor young players. His calm approach and tactical awareness made him a respected figure in Indian cricket circles.
Besides coaching, Bahutule also enjoyed a successful domestic playing career and represented India in two Tests and one ODI in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His experience as a former leg-spinner is expected to add valuable insights to India’s current spin bowling line-up.
Bahutule expected to play a key role in India’s spin plans
India’s spin attack continues to be one of the team’s biggest strengths across formats. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Akhar Patel plays a major role in recent years. Adding a dedicated spin bowling coach can help the team refine their strategies further, especially during overseas assignments and major ICC tournaments.
As India prepares for several important bilateral series and global events in the coming months, reports suggest that the management is keen to build a dedicated support system around the squad. Bahutule’s experience of working with both senior and incoming players is believed to be one of the main reasons behind the pending appointment.
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Punjab Kings spin coach impresses during IPL 2026
While Bahutule is fully focused on his commitments with Punjab Kings for the remainder of IPL 2026, his expected move to the national set-up has already created quite a buzz in cricket circles. Punjab’s spinners have shown marked improvement this season, further cementing Bahutule’s reputation as a highly regarded coach.
The development also reflects a successful IPL and the trend of local coaches moving into bigger roles in the Indian team. With the BCCI continuing to focus on sustainability and long-term planning, Bahutule’s expected inclusion could add further depth to India’s coaching structure ahead of a crucial phase in international cricket.
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