Did Punjab Kings Make a Smart Move by Appointing Sairaj Bahutule as Spin Bowling Coach for IPL 2026?
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Synopsis
Punjab Kings have made a pivotal decision by appointing Sairaj Bahutule as their new spin bowling coach. With his extensive experience and a fresh perspective, Bahutule aims to elevate the team's performance in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Will his leadership be the key to unlocking the full potential of the talented players at PBKS?
Key Takeaways
- Sairaj Bahutule appointed as spin bowling coach for PBKS.
- Replaces Sunil Joshi, who moves to BCCI CoE.
- Brings extensive coaching experience from domestic teams.
- Focus on enhancing the skills of talented players.
- Initial task includes strategy for IPL 2026 auction.
Chandigarh, Oct 23 (NationPress) The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) officially revealed on Thursday that former Indian cricketer Sairaj Bahutule has been appointed as the new spin bowling coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
Bahutule takes over from Sunil Joshi, who served in this role from 2023 until 2025 and is now set to join the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. As reported by IANS on October 16, Bahutule transitioned to PBKS after a season with the IPL 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2025. He previously held the same position with RR from 2018 to 2021.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Punjab Kings as their spin bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season. This team plays an exciting brand of cricket, and I can see tremendous potential. They have a pool of talented players, and I am eager to work with them to enhance their skills and help them achieve new levels of success,” stated Bahutule.
Having played two Tests and eight ODIs for India, Bahutule brings a vast array of experience to the PBKS coaching staff. His coaching background includes stints with domestic teams like Kerala, Gujarat, Vidarbha, and Bengal, along with a three-year tenure as spin bowling coach at the CoE before a brief return to RR.
“We sincerely thank Sunil Joshi for his unwavering dedication and contributions to the Punjab Kings over the years. As we move forward, we are excited to welcome Sairaj Bahutule to our coaching team,” said Satish Menon, PBKS CEO.
“Sairaj’s profound understanding of the game, along with his extensive experience in developing domestic bowlers and strategizing, will be invaluable for our team. His expertise is perfectly aligned with our goal of creating a robust and united bowling unit for the upcoming season,” Menon added.
Bahutule joins a talented PBKS support staff that includes head coach Ricky Ponting, assistant coach Brad Haddin, fast bowling coach James Hope, and Trevor Gonsalves. His initial responsibility will be to provide insights on the franchise’s retained players, with a deadline approaching on November 15, followed by strategizing for the IPL 2026 auction scheduled for mid-December.
–IANS
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Point of View
The appointment of Sairaj Bahutule as the spin bowling coach for Punjab Kings signifies a strategic shift aimed at enhancing team performance. Given Bahutule's extensive experience and proven track record, this move is likely to yield positive results in the IPL 2026 season. The franchise's focus on developing local talent and aligning coaching strategies with team vision reflects a commitment to fostering growth and excellence in Indian cricket.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sairaj Bahutule?
Sairaj Bahutule is a former Indian cricketer who played two Tests and eight ODIs for India. He has extensive coaching experience, including roles with various domestic teams and the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
What position has Bahutule been appointed to?
Bahutule has been appointed as the spin bowling coach for Punjab Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
Who did Sairaj Bahutule replace?
Bahutule replaces Sunil Joshi, who served as the spin bowling coach for PBKS from 2023 to 2025.
What are Bahutule's coaching credentials?
Bahutule has previously worked with Rajasthan Royals and has coached domestic teams like Kerala, Gujarat, Vidarbha, and Bengal.
What is the upcoming task for Bahutule?
Bahutule's initial task will be to provide insights on the franchise's retained players and assist in strategizing for the IPL 2026 auction.
