New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals on Thursday added former India cricketer Sairaj Bahutule as the team’s spin-bowling coach for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Bahutule joins the long list of support staff led by head coach Rahul Dravid.
A former leg-spinner and a more than capable left-hand batter, Bahutule had a brief international career, featuring in just two Tests and eight ODIs for India. He finished with a less-than-impressive tally of five wickets. While Bahutule’s international career failed to take flight, his first-class cricket exploits put him in the league of domestic legends.
Bahutule returns to RR
He scored over 6,000 runs and took a whopping 630 wickets, besides snaring 197 scalps in List A games. Bahutule has previously served the Royals franchise in the same capacity. He was appointed as the Royals’ spin bowling coach in 2018 and stayed with the franchise till 2021.
After parting ways with RR, Bahutule joined the National Cricket Academy (NCA) as a spin-bowling coach and was part of the support staff during several India A series. In 2023, he served as an assistant to stand-in India head coach VVS Laxman during India’s tour of Ireland for a T20I series.
“The 52-year-old returns to the Royals having been a part of the setup from 2018-21. He represented India in two Tests and eight ODIs and has since transitioned into a successful coaching career, mentoring teams such as Mumbai, Bengal, Kerala and the Indian national men’s team where he has been instrumental in developing emerging talents,” said Rajasthan Royals in a statement.
Dravid banking on Bahutule’s experience
Meanwhile, head coach Dravid hailed Bahutule’s appointment and hoped his team would gain from his wealth of experience. Dravid said that Bahutule’s deep understanding of spin bowling and coaching experience make him an invaluable member of the team.
Royals, who won the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 under the legendary Shane Warne, have failed to add to the title in the next decade and a half.
Meanwhile, Bahutule, expressing elation over his appointment as the Rajasthan spin bowling coach, said that he is looking forward to working with his former India teammate Dravid.
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins on March 21. Kolkata Knight Riders will enter the lucrative competition as the defending champions.
IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals have made a valuable addition to their coaching set-up after appointing one of the greatest cricketers to play domestic cricket in India. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
