Sairaj Bahutule joins India team as spin-bowling coach ahead of Afghanistan Test

A New Tactical Addition for the Indian Team

As the Indian cricket team prepares for their upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, a significant appointment has been confirmed in the support staff. Sairaj Bahutule joins India team as spin-bowling coach ahead of Afghanistan Test, bringing a wealth of domestic experience and technical expertise to the squad. The 53-year-old former legspinner will oversee the spin department, a role that will extend beyond the immediate Test match to encompass India’s white-ball cricket commitments as well.

A Proven Track Record in Coaching

Bahutule’s appointment comes on the back of extensive experience in the coaching circuit. Most recently, he served as the spin-bowling coach for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. His pedigree, however, spans several years of high-level coaching. He has previously held coaching roles with the Kerala and Bengal men’s teams, and was a key member of the Rajasthan Royals’ support staff from 2018 to 2021.

His transition to the national set-up follows a tenure at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). During the period when Rahul Dravid was head coach, Bahutule provided essential support for India A assignments and several international series, proving his capability at the highest level of the game. After a one-year stint back with the Rajasthan Royals in 2025, he is now ready to commit to the national team full-time.

Bridging the Gap in Support Staff

The current Indian support staff under head coach Gautam Gambhir has been operating without an incumbent spin-bowling specialist. Bahutule will integrate into a highly experienced coaching group that includes Sitanshu Kotak (batting), Morne Morkel (fast bowling), T Dilip (fielding), and Ryan ten Doeschate (assistant coach). His inclusion is seen as a move to provide more technical guidance to India’s spinners, who play a pivotal role in the team’s success both at home and abroad.

Reflecting on a Distinguished Domestic Career

While Bahutule’s international playing career—spanning from 1997 to 2003—was marked by a stop-and-start trajectory that saw him represent India in just two Tests and eight ODIs, his domestic record is nothing short of extraordinary. Over a career that lasted approximately 20 years, he became a legend of the Indian domestic circuit. A prolific legspinner, he claimed an incredible 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches, and added another 197 wickets in 143 List A appearances.

This deep understanding of the craft of spin bowling is exactly what the Indian management hopes he will pass on to the current generation of bowlers. His transition from a domestic stalwart to an astute coach makes him a valuable asset for the team.

The Road Ahead: High Stakes in New Chandigarh

The timing of Bahutule’s arrival is critical. India currently finds itself sixth on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. The team’s recent record has been challenging, with four wins, four losses, and one draw. Furthermore, the team is looking to bounce back from a difficult period at home, having suffered a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand in late 2024 and a 2-0 series defeat against South Africa in November 2025.

The upcoming Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10, serves as a crucial starting point for the team’s resurgence this year. Coming just less than a week after the conclusion of the IPL, the match will test the players’ ability to switch formats quickly. With Bahutule’s technical oversight and experience, the Indian team will be looking to re-establish their dominance in home conditions and climb the WTC rankings as they look toward a more consistent future in Test cricket.