Gautam Gambhir asks BCCI to look at Sairaj Bahutule as India’s spin-bowling coach after IPL 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might have to make a couple of crucial decisions to make soon. Apart from them eyeing moving on from Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is, the board has received a recommendation from the senior men’s team’s head coach. Yes, Gautam Gambhir, who has been enjoying a vital off-time amidst the IPL 2026, has seemed to have asked the board to sign a spin-bowling coach.

As per Cricbuzz, Gambhir has recommended Sairaj Bahutule’s name. Bahutule, not a new name in the Indian cricket scene, is currently working as a spin-bowling coach at the Punjab Kings (PBKS). The former Indian spinner, who played two Tests and eight ODIs in his career, demands a huge reputation for his spin-bowling acumen and coaching skills in the circuit.

India’s need for spin-bowling coach

The development is massive because India currently do not have a designated spin-bowling coach in the senior men’s setup. While Morne Morkel oversees the fast bowlers and Sitanshu Kotak looks after batting, spin bowling has largely been managed collectively by the coaching group and senior players themselves. In this era of specialisation, it is a rather prudent move by Gambhir.

Moreover, the Indian spin unit has seen its fair share of struggles under Gambhir. For the first time in history, the Indian spin unit in Tests have been continuously outbowled at home. New Zealand did it in 2024 when they ended India’s unbeaten streak at home. Then, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj gave a masterclass to Indian spinners on how to bowl on raging turners last year. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy’s form in white-ball cricket has been a question mark in recent times as well.

Why Sairaj Bahutule is highly rated in Indian cricket circles

Bahutule has quietly built a strong coaching résumé over the years. Though his international career never truly took off despite immense domestic success, he has remained deeply respected within Indian cricket for his understanding of spin bowling and player management.

The 53-year-old has worked extensively in domestic cricket, coaching multiple Ranji Trophy sides before becoming part of the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy setup under VVS Laxman. His work at the Centre of Excellence reportedly impressed several senior Indian cricketers and coaches.

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid had specifically requested Bahutule to join the Indian team during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was also part of India’s support staff during the Sri Lanka tour under Dravid. More recently, Bahutule returned to franchise cricket. He first worked with Rajasthan Royals under Dravid before joining Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2026 under Ricky Ponting. PBKS are unlikely to block his exit if the India role materialises.

As per the report, discussions have already taken place between Bahutule, Gambhir and senior BCCI officials.

Sairaj Bahutule’s coaching journey

Sairaj Bahutule’s coaching journey

Bahutule’s biggest strength is believed to be his ability to work with younger spinners and simplify technical adjustments. Multiple domestic bowlers have credited him for helping them improve control, drift and variations in red-ball cricket.

India’s coaching setup could soon expand

Gambhir’s push for a spin-bowling coach shows the increasing workload and specialisation in international cricket. India are entering a crucial phase across formats, with a packed calendar that includes overseas Tests, ICC tournaments and bilateral white-ball series. The current support staff already has several specialised roles, but spin bowling remains the missing department.

India men’s current coaching staff

The timing of Bahutule’s possible appointment could depend on Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign and his contractual commitments with the franchise. However, all indications suggest the BCCI is seriously considering the move.