Intro
Former India all-rounder returns to national setup in coaching role.
Mumbai
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Sairaj Bahutule as the spin-bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on June 6 in Mullanpur.
The appointment marks another significant chapter in Bahutule’s long association with Indian cricket, both as a player and coach. The 53-year-old former all-rounder represented India in two Test matches and eight One-Day Internationals and enjoyed an outstanding domestic career spanning nearly two decades.
Announcing the appointment, the BCCI described Bahutule as a former India international and domestic stalwart who brings a wealth of experience to the role. The board highlighted his reputation for identifying, nurturing and developing spin-bowling talent across domestic and franchise cricket.
Bahutule’s first-class record underlines his credentials. One of the most accomplished all-rounders on the Indian domestic circuit, he amassed 6,176 runs and claimed 630 wickets during a distinguished career. His consistency with both bat and ball made him a respected figure in Indian cricket.
Expressing his delight at the appointment, Bahutule said it was a tremendous honour to serve Indian cricket once again. He noted that representing the country as a player had been a matter of immense pride and that contributing in a coaching capacity was equally special. He added that he was eager to work with the players and help the team achieve excellence across formats.
Bahutule’s coaching résumé is equally impressive. He has served as head coach of Vidarbha, Kerala, Gujarat and Bengal in domestic cricket and has worked as a spin-bowling coach with Indian Premier League franchises Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.
His contributions to player development have also been noteworthy. Bahutule was part of the coaching staff of India’s ICC Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2022 and continued his involvement with the youth setup during the 2024 edition of the tournament. He has also worked extensively with India A and the senior national side on several assignments.
Having previously served at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy, now known as the Centre of Excellence, Bahutule now takes on a key role as India prepare for the Afghanistan Test and future international assignments.
