Sairaj Bahutule Joins Team India As Spin-Bowling Coach Ahead Of Afghanistan Test

Former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule has been appointed Team India’s new spin-bowling coach and will begin his tenure with the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan.

Team India have bolstered their coaching staff ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan by appointing former leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule as the new spin-bowling coach. The five-day contest is scheduled to begin on June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.

Bahutule recently served as the spin-bowling coach of Punjab Kings during the IPL 2026 season. The 53-year-old has previously worked with the Indian team during Rahul Dravid’s tenure and now returns to the national setup in a more permanent role.

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He joins an established support staff headed by Gautam Gambhir, alongside batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.

First Assignment To Focus On Emerging Spin Talent

Bahutule’s first assignment will be the Afghanistan Test, where he will work closely with India’s spin contingent, including Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and Harsh Dubey.

The opportunity is particularly significant for Suthar and Dubey, both of whom have earned places in India’s red-ball squad for the first time. The duo will now have the chance to learn from one of India’s most accomplished domestic spinners.

India’s decision to appoint a dedicated spin-bowling coach comes after concerns over the team’s performances in spin-friendly conditions against New Zealand and South Africa in recent Test series. With Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket and Ravindra Jadeja absent from the squad, Bahutule is expected to play a key role in shaping India’s next generation of spin bowlers.

He is also set to remain with the team during the subsequent white-ball series against Afghanistan.

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Bahutule Eager To Begin New Chapter With India

Speaking after his appointment, Bahutule expressed his excitement about returning to the national setup.

“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as the Spin Bowling Coach of the Indian Men’s Cricket Team. Representing India as a player was a matter of immense pride, and the opportunity to contribute to Indian Cricket once again in a coaching capacity is deeply special. I look forward to working with the players and supporting the team’s pursuit of excellence across formats,”

Although Bahutule made only 10 appearances for India, including eight ODIs, his domestic record remains exceptional. The Mumbai-born spinner claimed 630 wickets in 188 First-Class matches at an average of 26 and registered four 10-wicket match hauls during a distinguished red-ball career.

His extensive experience in domestic cricket is expected to add valuable expertise to India’s coaching group as the team enters a new era of spin bowling.