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Team India may soon get a new face in the coaching setup as Punjab Kings (PBKS) spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule is now strongly in the race to get that position on the team. This news came at a time when captaincy changes are expected in the T20I setup after IPL 2026.
With talks growing around Shreyas Iyer or Hardik Pandya possibly becoming India’s next T20 captain, the team management is also planning some fresh changes in the support staff before the next international cycle begins following the end of the ongoing IPL 2026.
Sairaj Bahutule set for big Team India role amid T20I shake-up
Sairaj Bahutule, who already worked with Rajasthan Royals, is currently working with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing IPL 2026 and is highly respected in Indian cricket for his knowledge of spin bowling and for his work with the young and domestic players.
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Even though the former Mumbaikar was never a superstar player, he has quietly built a very strong image as a coach over the years, especially for his work with young bowlers and domestic players. Now, he is set to make a big jump in the international arena.
A Cricbuzz report suggests that Bahutule could soon join the India National Cricket Team as the spin-bowling coach. Reports suggest that the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has recommended Bahutule’s name to senior BCCI officials for the spin coach role. Even Bahutule has already spoken with Gambhir and senior BCCI officials about the role.
What makes Sairaj Bahutule strong candidate for big role
The former Mumbai cricketer is known for his calm attitude and his spin expertise. Over the years, he has helped several young talents improve their game Bahutule, who played two Tests and eight ODIs for India, has coached domestic teams like Bengal, Kerala, Gujarat, and Vidarbha in the past, and he was also part of the coaching team at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
But his experience in Indian conditions is reportedly one of the main reasons why Gambhir and the BCCI are interested in bringing him into the national setup. And then, Team India does not have a dedicated spin-bowling coach presently. Fast bowlers are looked after by Morne Morkel, while batting duties are handled by Sitanshu Kotak.
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And the impact is visible. India’s spin bowling has also not looked as dangerous as before in recent years, and this is one of the main reasons why Gambhir wants a proper spin expert in the dressing room. Modern cricket is becoming more specialized, and many teams now have separate coaches for every department.
India’s spin bowling decline forces BCCI to look for specialist spin-bowling coach
For a long time, Indian spinners used to completely dominate teams in home conditions, but things have now changed. New Zealand shocked India in 2024 by outbowling the Indian spinners at home and ending India’s long unbeaten run.
Later in 2025, South African spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj also dominated the turning pitches, which increased concerns inside the team. Even in white-ball cricket, the recent form of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy has become a big headache. Because of all this, the BCCI is serious about rebuilding India’s spin strength.
