The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially named Sairaj Bahutule as the new spin bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, adding another experienced figure to the national coaching setup.
The appointment, which had been widely anticipated in recent weeks, was formally confirmed by the BCCI on June 2. Bahutule brings decades of cricketing experience, both as a player and as a highly respected coach, making him a valuable addition to India’s support staff.
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A Wealth of Experience Joins Team India
In announcing the appointment, the BCCI highlighted Bahutule’s extensive contribution to Indian cricket and his strong track record in developing spin bowlers across multiple levels of the game.
The former India international has earned widespread recognition for mentoring young talent and helping bowlers refine their skills in domestic and franchise cricket.
His deep understanding of spin bowling and years of coaching experience made him a natural choice for the role.
Impressive Playing Career
Before moving into coaching, Bahutule enjoyed a distinguished playing career that spanned nearly two decades.
He represented India in two Test matches and eight One-Day Internationals while establishing himself as one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket.
Across 188 first-class matches, Bahutule collected an outstanding 630 wickets, underlining his effectiveness as a spinner. He also made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 6,176 runs during his first-class career.
His all-round abilities earned him a reputation as one of the finest domestic cricketers of his generation.
Success Across Coaching Roles
Following his retirement from playing, Bahutule successfully transitioned into coaching and has built an impressive resume over the years.
He has served as head coach for several prominent domestic teams, including Vidarbha, Kerala, Gujarat, and Bengal. His work in domestic cricket helped nurture numerous young players and strengthen spin-bowling programs within those teams.
In addition to domestic assignments, Bahutule has gained valuable experience in the Indian Premier League. He has previously worked as a spin bowling coach with Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, where he played an important role in guiding both emerging and established bowlers.
Strong Record in Youth Development
One of Bahutule’s most notable coaching achievements came with India’s Under-19 setup.
He was part of the coaching staff that guided India to victory at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2022. He also remained involved with the youth program during the 2024 edition of the tournament.
His ability to identify and develop young spin talent has been widely praised within Indian cricket circles.
Familiar Face in the National Setup
Bahutule is no stranger to the Indian team environment.
Over the past several years, he has worked with India A squads and has been involved with the senior men’s team on multiple occasions as a specialist bowling coach.
Between 2021 and 2024, he was also a member of the coaching staff at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy, now known as the Centre of Excellence. During this period, he worked closely with some of the country’s most promising cricketers, helping prepare them for international competition.
Bahutule Delighted with New Opportunity
Reacting to his appointment, Bahutule described the opportunity as a proud and emotional moment in his cricketing journey.
He expressed gratitude for the chance to once again contribute to Indian cricket, this time in a senior coaching role. Having previously represented India as a player, he emphasized that serving the national team remains a special honor.
Bahutule also stated that he is excited about working closely with the current squad and helping players continue their development across all formats of the game.
A Key Addition for India’s Future
As India continues to compete across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, the role of specialist coaches has become increasingly important.
With his extensive knowledge of spin bowling, proven coaching credentials, and experience at every level of Indian cricket, Sairaj Bahutule arrives well-equipped to help the next generation of spinners thrive on the international stage.
His appointment signals the BCCI’s continued commitment to strengthening India’s coaching structure and maintaining the country’s rich tradition of world-class spin bowling.
For Indian cricket, the arrival of Bahutule marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as the team prepares for future challenges across global competitions.
