In a move that’s set to bolster their bowling arsenal, the 
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have appointed former Indian cricketer Sairaj Bahutule as their new spin bowling coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
The announcement, made official on Wednesday, marks a significant addition to the franchise’s coaching staff, replacing Sunil Joshi,
who held the role from 2023 to 2025 and is reportedly transitioning to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Bahutule, a 51-year-old veteran of domestic cricket, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach.
Known for his crafty leg-spin during his playing days, he represented India in two Tests and eight ODIs between 2001 and 2003.
His domestic record is nothing short of legendary, amassing over 630 wickets and 6,000 runs in first-class cricket across a career spanning more than two decades.
After hanging up his boots, Bahutule seamlessly transitioned into coaching, where he has earned acclaim for nurturing young talent and fine-tuning bowling strategies.
A Proven Track Record of Sairaj Bahutule
Bahutule’s coaching journey has been marked by stints with several domestic teams, including Mumbai, Bengal, Kerala, Vidarbha, and Gujarat.
He also served as India’s bowling coach during their triumphant gold-medal campaign at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
More recently, he spent the 2025 IPL season with the Rajasthan Royals in a similar capacity,
reuniting with head coach Rahul Dravid and contributing to their spin department alongside talents like Yuzvendra Chahal and Wanindu Hasaranga.
His time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) further solidified his reputation, where he worked on developing India’s next generation of spinners during multiple India A series.
Bahutule’s philosophy emphasizes technical precision, mental resilience,
and adapting to T20’s high-octane demands—qualities that have made him a sought-after mentor in the IPL ecosystem.
Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, highlighting Bahutule’s alignment with the team’s vision.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Sunil Joshi for his dedicated service and contribution to the Punjab Kings over the years,” Menon said in an official statement.
“As we look forward, we are thrilled to welcome Sairaj Bahutule to our coaching staff.
Sairaj’s deep understanding of the game, particularly his extensive experience in grooming domestic bowlers and managing strategy, will be invaluable to our side.
His expertise aligns perfectly with our vision of building a strong and cohesive bowling unit for the season ahead.”
Sairaj Bahutule Excitement: Tapping into PBKS’s Untapped Potential
For Bahutule, joining PBKS feels like a natural fit.
The franchise, co-owned by Bollywood icon Preity Zinta, has long been known for its aggressive,
entertaining brand of cricket but has struggled to convert promise into playoffs success in recent years.
With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging stars in their ranks—think the likes of Arshdeep Singh,
Harpreet Brar, and potential auction picks—Bahutule sees immense scope for growth.
“I’m really excited to join Punjab Kings as a spin bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season,
” Bahutule shared in his response to the appointment.
“This is a team that plays a different brand of cricket, and I can see the potential is massive.
They have a bunch of talented players, and I’m looking forward to working with them to refine their skills and help them reach new heights.”
His words echo the optimism surrounding PBKS as they gear up for the mega auction later this year.
Under the guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting and a revamped support staff,
Bahutule’s role will be pivotal in crafting a spin attack capable of dominating middle overs and turning games on subcontinental pitches.
Why This Appointment Matters for PBKS ?
PBKS enters IPL 2026 with renewed ambition after a mixed 2025 campaign.
Their spin bowling has been a point of inconsistency, often relying on overseas recruits rather than homegrown depth. Bahutule’s arrival could change that.
His track record of mentoring players like Washington Sundar during India A tours and optimizing variations for T20s positions him ideally to unlock the potential of PBKS’s young spinners.
In an IPL landscape where spin remains a game-changer—evidenced by the success of teams like Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad with their balanced attacks—this hire signals PBKS’s intent to compete at the highest level.
As Zinta famously rallies her team with “Shers,” Bahutule’s tactical acumen could be the missing piece in their puzzle.
With the IPL 2026 auction on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Bahutule shapes PBKS’s squad.
For now, this appointment is a resounding vote of confidence in spin as the franchise’s path to glory.
Fans in Mohali and beyond can look forward to a more potent, unpredictable bowling unit come next spring.
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