- By Sports desk
- Fri, 08 May 2026 04:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly spoken to former spinner Sairaj Bahutule about joining the national team’s coaching setup after IPL 2026. Bahutule is currently working as the spin-bowling coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS), but reports suggest he could leave the franchise once the season ends.
According to Cricbuzz, Bahutule recently held discussions with Gambhir and senior BCCI officials regarding the role. The report added that he is expected to move on from Punjab Kings after the IPL.
The former leg-spinner has earned praise for his coaching work over the years, and Gambhir is believed to be highly impressed with his ability to work with spinners.
Bahutule's Cricketing career
Bahutule represented India between 1997 and 2003, playing two Test matches and eight ODIs. Although he did not have a long international career, he enjoyed huge success in domestic cricket. Bahutule had an outstanding First-Class career, playing 188 matches and taking 630 wickets at an average of 26. He also registered 27 five-wicket hauls. In List A cricket, he picked up 197 wickets in 143 matches.
Apart from his bowling, he also made important contributions with the bat. In First-Class cricket, he scored 6,176 runs at an average of 31.83, including nine centuries and 26 half-centuries. In List A matches, he added 1,367 runs with one hundred and two fifties.
Over the years, he played for several domestic teams including Maharashtra, Mumbai, Andhra, Assam and Vidarbha. He also had a stint with Surrey in county cricket.
Bahutule's coaching career
This will not be Bahutule’s first involvement with the Indian team if the move is confirmed. He was earlier part of Rahul Dravid’s support staff during India’s tour of Sri Lanka and also during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
He has also worked at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and has experience in franchise cricket as well. Before joining Punjab Kings this season under Ricky Ponting, he was associated with Rajasthan Royals.
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In domestic coaching, Bahutule coached Kerala in 2014 and later joined Bengal’s coaching setup in 2015.
India's schedule after IPL 2026
After the IPL ends, Team India will return to international cricket with a one-off Test against Afghanistan starting June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series. Later in the month, India’s T20I squad will travel to Ireland for a two-match series.