Sairaj Bahutule played 2 Tests and 8 ODIs for India.
Former India and Mumbai spinner Sairaj Bahutule is reportedly the front-runner to become the Team India spin bowling coach. Bahutule is currently the spin bowling coach of the Punjab Kings franchise in the ongoing IPL 2026.
As per the Cricbuzz report, Bahutule has had discussions with the BCCI and head coach Gautam Gambhir about joining the Men in Blue coaching staff.
According to BCCI sources, Bahutule (53), who played two Tests and eight ODIs for India from 2001 to 2003, is well-known for his spin-bowling coaching abilities, which are thought to have piqued the interest of head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Sitanshu Kotak is the batting coach, Morne Morkel is the fast-bowling coach, T Dilip is the fielding coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate is the assistant coach. There is currently no dedicated spin-bowling coach, and Gambhir is believed to have recommended Bahutule's name for the position.
Bahutule has been part of the ad-hoc Team India setup under VVS Laxman during his time with the National Cricket Academy/Centre of Excellence. He was also requested to be part of the Indian team set up by former India coach Rahul Dravid, when India clashed with Australia for the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was also part of Dravid's support staff during a tour of Sri Lanka.
Bahutule is anticipated to join the Indian team shortly; the exact timing would be determined by his contractual duties with the Punjab Kings. He joined the franchise before the current IPL season, working under head coach Ricky Ponting. Before joining the PBKS, Bahutule spent a year with the Rajasthan Royals under Dravid.
Bahutule may have to cut short his time with the team to take up the India position. However, given the opportunity to work with the Indian squad and the BCCI, the Punjab Kings are unlikely to stand in his way.
(Cricbuzz report)