A New Spin on Team India: Sairaj Bahutule Takes Charge as Spin Bowling Coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former India leg spinner Sairaj Bahutule as the spin bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team , entrusting one of the country’s most experienced cricket minds with a crucial role in the national setup.

The appointment marks another significant chapter in Bahutule’s long association with Indian cricket. A respected figure in domestic cricket and a seasoned coach, the 53 year old brings with him decades of experience as both a player and mentor.

Bahutule represented India in two Test matches and eight One Day Internationals , but it was on the domestic circuit where he built a remarkable legacy. Over a first class career spanning nearly two decades, he amassed 630 wickets and scored 6,176 runs , establishing himself as one of the most dependable all round performers in Indian domestic cricket.

Following retirement, Bahutule seamlessly transitioned into coaching and steadily built an impressive résumé. He served as head coach of Vidarbha, Kerala, Gujarat and Bengal , while also working as a spin bowling coach with IPL franchises Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings . His contribution to player development was further strengthened during his stint with the BCCI's Centre of Excellence , formerly the National Cricket Academy, from 2021 to 2024.

One of Bahutule’s most notable achievements came in 2022 when he was part of the support staff that guided India to the ICC Under 19 World Cup title . He also remained closely involved with the country's developmental pathway through assignments with India A and the senior national team.

Expressing his delight at the appointment, Bahutule described the opportunity as a matter of immense pride and said he looked forward to helping the team pursue excellence across formats.

His first assignment in the new role will be the one off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur beginning June 6 , where he is expected to work closely with emerging spin talents such as Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey .

With India continuing to rely heavily on quality spin bowling across formats, Bahutule's experience in nurturing young talent and his deep understanding of the craft could prove invaluable as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.