Sairaj Bahutule Likely to Join Team India as Spin Bowling Coach

Former India spinner Sairaj Bahutule is expected to become the new spin bowling coach for the Indian cricket team. He is currently working with Punjab Kings in the IPL but may leave the franchise after this season.

Sources say Bahutule has talked with head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior BCCI officials about the role. The Indian team does not have a dedicated spin bowling coach right now. Gambhir is believed to have recommended Bahutule’s name for the position.

Bahutule is 53 years old and played for India between 2001 and 2003. He has a strong reputation for coaching spin bowling. In the past, he has also traveled with the Indian team when he worked at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Former head coach Rahul Dravid asked Bahutule to be part of the team during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and also on a tour to Sri Lanka.

It is not yet clear when Bahutule will join the Indian team. That depends on his contract with Punjab Kings. He joined Punjab Kings this season under head coach Ricky Ponting. Before that, he worked with Rajasthan Royals under Rahul Dravid.

Punjab Kings are unlikely to stop him from taking this opportunity. The BCCI and the Indian team role is a big honour. Bahutule could not be reached for comment. Calls and messages to him were not answered.

                                               

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