After the conclusion of IPL 2026, Sairaj Bahutule could be seen parting ways with Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings and may take the position of spin-bowling coach at the Indian setup. The former India cricketer is currently associated with the Punjab-based side, and it is believed that he may take an exit from the side after the tournament comes to an end.
Sairaj Bahutule to join Indian team?
According to Cricbuzz, He has already held discussions regarding the matter with all the concerned parties, consisting of head coach Gautam Gambhir and all the senior officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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As per a BCCI source, the former India spinner is highly admired by head coach Gautam Gambhir for his proficiency in spin bowling. In the current setup, Sitanshu Kotak works as batting coach, Morne Morkel serves as fast-bowling coach, while T. Dilip and Ryan ten Doeschate hold the portfolio of fielding coach and assistant coach respectively.
Currently, the team lacks a dedicated spin-bowling coach, and it is understood that Gambhir has recommended Bahutule for the role.
Sairaj Bahutle's previous stints with Indian team
Notably, Sairaj has already worked with the senior Indian team on a few assignments. He was working at the Centre of Excellence headed by VVS Laxman. Former India head coach Rahul Dravid had asked Bahutule to be a part of the Indian team setup during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series. He also travelled with the Indian team during the Sri Lanka tour.
Bahutule is expected to join the Indian side soon, however the timeline will rely on his contractual obligations with PBKS. Ahead of the ongoing IPL 2026 season, he joined Ricky Ponting's coaching staff at PBKS. Before joining the team, Bahutule had spent a year with Rajasthan Royals under Dravid's coaching.