Sairaj Bahutule joins India team as spin-bowling coach ahead of Afghanistan Test
A Strategic Addition to the Support Staff
As the Indian men’s cricket team prepares for the highly anticipated one-off Test match against Afghanistan, the support staff has received a significant boost. The announcement that Sairaj Bahutule joins India team as spin-bowling coach ahead of Afghanistan Test marks a crucial pivot for a squad looking to reclaim its dominance in the longest format of the game. The 53-year-old former legspinner brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and will be tasked with overseeing the spin-bowling department not only for the Test match in New Chandigarh but also for upcoming white-ball commitments.
An Extensive Coaching Pedigree
Bahutule arrives with a formidable reputation in the domestic and franchise circuit. Most recently, he served as the spin-bowling coach for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2026. His journey as a mentor has been marked by diverse roles across several high-profile setups. Between 2018 and 2021, he was a key figure within the Rajasthan Royals support staff before moving to the National Cricket Academy (NCA). His history with Indian cricket also includes working with India A and assisting various senior team series during Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach. Furthermore, his previous stints with state sides like Kerala and Bengal have provided him with the grassroots insights necessary to groom young talent at the international level.
From Domestic Legend to Mentor
While Bahutule’s international career spanned from 1997 to 2003—a period comprising two Tests and eight ODIs—his true impact was felt in the domestic arena. Over a career spanning two decades, he established himself as a stalwart, claiming 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches and 197 wickets in 143 List A games. This transition from a prolific domestic campaigner to a specialist coach highlights the depth of knowledge he brings to the current Indian dressing room.
Integrating into the New Set-Up
Bahutule fills a vital vacancy in the Indian support staff, which previously lacked an incumbent spin-bowling coach. He joins an elite team led by head coach Gautam Gambhir. The existing coaching structure, which includes Sitanshu Kotak (batting), Morne Morkel (fast bowling), T Dilip (fielding), and Ryan ten Doeschate (assistant coach), is now further fortified with Bahutule’s specific expertise in legspin mechanics.
The Road Ahead for India
The timing of this appointment is critical. India currently sits in the sixth position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Recent history has been challenging, with the team facing a 3-0 home whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in late 2024 and a 2-0 series defeat against South Africa in November 2025. With a record of four wins, four losses, and one draw in the current cycle, there is an urgent need for stability and strategic refinement.
The upcoming Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10, serves as the perfect testing ground for these new coaching dynamics. Following a hectic IPL season, the team will need to shift gears quickly to navigate the challenges posed by the Afghan side. With Bahutule’s guidance, India’s spinners will look to rediscover their rhythm and help the team climb back up the WTC standings as they begin their Test campaign for the year.
