IPL: Sairaj Bahutule Returns to Rajasthan Royals as Spin Bowling Coach
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Synopsis
Sairaj Bahutule has rejoined Rajasthan Royals as the spin bowling coach for IPL 2025, bringing significant coaching experience and a commitment to developing talent. He aims to work with the coaching staff to enhance the team's bowling performance.
Key Takeaways
- Sairaj Bahutule returns to Rajasthan Royals.
- Focus on developing young bowlers.
- Collaboration with Rahul Dravid and Shane Bond.
- Extensive experience in domestic and international cricket.
- Aiming for a successful IPL 2025 season.
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) Former India cricketer Sairaj Bahutule is back with the Rajasthan Royals as the franchise’s spin bowling coach for the upcoming IPL 2025. At 52 years old, Bahutule rejoins the team after his previous tenure from 2018-21, followed by a three-year role at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).
"Rejoining Rajasthan Royals is a great privilege. The team’s focus on developing talent and their dynamic style of play aligns with my coaching ideals," said Bahutule.
“I look forward to collaborating with Rahul Dravid and the rest of the coaching team to enhance our bowling lineup and contribute to the team's success. Together, we aspire to reach significant achievements in the upcoming season," he stated in a recent franchise announcement.
Bahutule has represented India in two Tests and eight ODIs. He has also taken 630 wickets and scored over 6,000 runs in first-class cricket. In coaching, he has worked with teams from Mumbai, Bengal, and Kerala in domestic leagues.
Last year, he served as the bowling coach for the senior Indian team during their white-ball series in Sri Lanka and the T20I tour in South Africa. He has also led the India A team, reaching the semifinals of the Emerging Men’s Asia Cup in Oman, and acted as the bowling consultant for the Test team during their 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory at home in 2023.
At RR, Bahutule will work closely with Rahul Dravid and Shane Bond, the franchise's bowling coach and former New Zealand international. "Sairaj's profound knowledge of spin bowling and his vast coaching experience make him a crucial asset to our team," Dravid noted.
“His track record of mentoring young bowlers aligns seamlessly with our vision at Rajasthan Royals. Having collaborated with him previously, I am confident that his insights will greatly enhance our players as we aim for excellence in the next season," Dravid added.
The bowling squad at RR includes pacers Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Yudhvir Singh, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Ashok Sharma. Spin options feature Kumar Kartikeya Singh, along with Sri Lankan players Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.
