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Former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule has joined the Indian men’s cricket team as the spin-bowling coach ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on June 6 in New Chandigarh.
The 53-year-old recently served as spin-bowling coach of Punjab Kings during IPL 2026 and brings extensive coaching experience from domestic and franchise cricket. Over the years, Bahutule has worked with Kerala, Bengal, Rajasthan Royals, and the National Cricket Academy, besides being part of several India A and senior team assignments.
Bahutule, who represented India between 1997 and 2003, played two Tests and eight ODIs. Despite a brief international career, he enjoyed tremendous success in domestic cricket, claiming 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches and 197 wickets in 143 List A games.
He joins the Indian support staff led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, alongside batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate>.
India will hope Bahutule’s expertise strengthens its spin department as the team looks to improve its recent Test performances.
