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IPL 2026 Spin Shuffle: Sairaj Bahutule's Shocking Move to Punjab Kings

Cricket fans are buzzing about Sairaj Bahutule's potential move to Punjab Kings as their new spin bowling coach. The experienced leg-spinner brings a wealth of coaching knowledge after working with the BCCI Centre of Excellence and Rajasthan Royals. His transfer comes at a crucial time for Punjab Kings, who are looking to build on their impressive IPL 2025 performance. The coaching change signals another exciting strategic shift in the ever-evolving IPL landscape.

Key Points: Sairaj Bahutule Punjab Kings Spin Coach IPL 2026 Transfer

  • Bahutule moves from Rajasthan Royals after three-year BCCI Centre of Excellence stint
  • Punjab Kings seeking strategic boost after IPL 2025 runner-up finish
  • Replacing Sunil Joshi who moves to national coaching role
  • Joins star-studded PBKS coaching staff including Ricky Ponting
2 min read

IPL 2026: Sairaj Bahutule likely to join Punjab Kings as new spin bowling coach

Former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule set to join Punjab Kings as spin bowling coach, bringing extensive cricket expertise to the franchise.

"It is understood that Bahutule has started the scouting work for Punjab Kings - Anonymous Source"

New Delhi, Oct 16

Former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule is likely to join Punjab Kings (PBKS) as their new spin bowling coach ahead of the 2026 IPL season. He was a part of the Rajasthan Royals support staff in IPL 2025, and is understood to have moved on from the franchise, which is in the midst of a major shake-up to their backroom staff.

Bahutule, who played two Tests and eight ODIs for India, joined RR only last year after concluding a three-year stint as a spin bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He worked in the same capacity with the franchise from 2018 to 2021.

Sources aware of the development have told IANS that Bahutule is potentially expected to bring his vast experience to the PBKS line-up, who finished IPL 2025 as runners-up. "It is understood that Bahutule has started the scouting work for Punjab Kings ahead of the franchise making their plans for IPL 2026 auction in December," further said sources.

Bahutule becomes the third coach after Rahul Dravid and Dishant Yagnik to leave RR after the side finished at the ninth spot in the IPL 2025 points table. At PBKS, Bahutule will fill in the role left vacant by Sunil Joshi's departure.

Joshi, who played 15 Tests and 69 ODIs for India and also served as a member of the senior men's selection committee and briefly as the panel chairman, has left PBKS to become the spin bowling coach at the CoE in Bengaluru.

Apart from Bahutule, other members of the PBKS support staff include head coach Ricky Ponting, assistant coach Brad Haddin, fast bowling coach James Hopes, and Trevor Gonsalves.

Previously on Thursday, Lucknow Super Giants announced veteran New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson as their new strategic advisor, while retaining head coach Justin Langer and roping in Carl Crowe as their spin bowling coach ahead of IPL 2026 season.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting coaching shuffle happening across IPL teams. Bahutule moving from RR to PBKS while Sunil Joshi goes back to BCCI. Hope this brings stability to Punjab Kings who came so close to winning last season!
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Aman W
Honestly, I'm not sure about this appointment. RR finished 9th under his coaching last season. PBKS should have looked for someone with better recent track record. Hope I'm proven wrong though!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows IPL closely, I think Bahutule's experience at the BCCI Centre of Excellence will be valuable for identifying young spin talent. Good strategic move by PBKS management.
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Vikram M
Bahutule was a clever leg-spinner in his playing days. Hope he can pass on his skills to our young spinners. Punjab Kings need to strengthen their spin department if they want to go one step further and win the trophy! 💪
K
Kavya N
The coaching carousel continues in IPL! Good to see experienced Indian coaches getting opportunities. Hope Bahutule can make a difference for PBKS. Their spin bowling was inconsistent last season despite reaching finals.

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