BCCI appoints Sairaj Bahutule as team India’s spin bowling coach

The BCCI has appointed former India all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule as Team India’s spin bowling coach ahead of the Afghanistan Test and ODI series, strengthening the national team’s coaching setup.

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday appointed former India cricketer Sairaj Bahutule as the spin bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team ahead of the upcoming Afghanistan series.

The appointment comes just before India’s scheduled series against Afghanistan, which includes one Test match and three One-Day Internationals.

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Bahutule Calls Appointment A “Special Honour”

Reacting to the appointment, Bahutule said representing India once again in a coaching role was a proud moment for him. “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,” he said. He added that he looks forward to working closely with players and supporting the team across all formats.

Strong Domestic And International Experience

A former India international, Bahutule represented the national side in two Test matches and eight One-Day Internationals. While his international career was brief, he enjoyed a highly successful domestic career spanning nearly two decades.

He scored 6,176 runs and picked up 630 wickets in first-class cricket, establishing himself as one of India’s finest domestic all-rounders.

Vast Coaching Background

Over the years, Bahutule has earned recognition as a respected spin bowling mentor in Indian cricket. His coaching career includes stints as head coach of domestic teams such as Vidarbha, Kerala, Gujarat and Bengal. He has also worked with IPL franchises Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings as a spin bowling coach.

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Key Role In India’s Youth Development

Bahutule has been closely associated with India’s player development system. He served as bowling coach of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2022 and remained part of the support staff during the 2024 edition as well.

He also worked extensively with India A and the senior men’s team on multiple assignments as a specialist bowling coach. From 2021 to 2024, Bahutule was a key member of the coaching setup at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy, now known as the Centre of Excellence.

The BCCI hopes his vast experience with young spinners and domestic cricket will strengthen India’s bowling resources ahead of a packed international calendar.