Sairaj Bahutule joins India team as spin-bowling coach ahead of Afghanistan Test
A Strategic Addition to the Indian Support Staff
In a significant move to strengthen the national setup, Sairaj Bahutule joins India team as spin-bowling coach ahead of Afghanistan Test. The 53-year-old former international legspinner has been brought on board to provide specialized guidance to the Indian spin attack, not just for the upcoming red-ball challenge but also as a permanent fixture for white-ball cricket moving forward.
A Wealth of Experience
Bahutule arrives with an impressive pedigree in coaching. His most recent role saw him serving as the spin-bowling coach for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) during the 2026 IPL season. His coaching journey has been varied and extensive, featuring stints with the Kerala and Bengal men’s teams, as well as a formative period with the Rajasthan Royals support staff from 2018 to 2021. Furthermore, his tenure at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and his involvement with India A squads under the tenure of former head coach Rahul Dravid have established him as a highly respected figure in the Indian cricketing structure.
The Playing Career of a Domestic Stalwart
While his international career—spanning from 1997 to 2003—was marked by limited opportunities, yielding only two Tests and eight ODIs, Bahutule is widely regarded as a legend of Indian domestic cricket. Over a career that lasted two decades, he was a prolific wicket-taker, claiming 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches and 197 wickets in 143 List A encounters. This deep understanding of spin mechanics and the nuances of the game at the domestic level is expected to be a vital asset for current Indian spinners.
Integration into the Coaching Team
Bahutule steps into a void in the current support staff, which previously lacked a dedicated, full-time spin-bowling coach. He joins a high-profile coaching panel that includes:
- Gautam Gambhir: Head Coach
- Sitanshu Kotak: Batting Coach
- Morne Morkel: Fast Bowling Coach
- T Dilip: Fielding Coach
- Ryan ten Doeschate: Assistant Coach
This team is under immense pressure to deliver results as they look to turn around the fortunes of the Test side.
The Path Ahead for India
The timing of Bahutule’s appointment is critical. India currently sits in sixth position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. The team has endured a challenging period, having won four and lost four of their matches so far, with one draw. Recent home series results have been particularly disappointing, including a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in late 2024 and a 2-0 series loss to South Africa in November 2025.
With the Indian team looking to bounce back, the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, scheduled from June 6 to 10, presents a fresh start. Played shortly after the conclusion of the IPL, the match will test the adaptability of the players as they shift focus from T20 cricket to the traditional format. With Sairaj Bahutule now working closely with the bowlers, the team management will be hoping for a more disciplined and effective performance from their spin department as they embark on this pivotal contest.
