Sairaj Bahutule Joins Punjab Kings as Spin Bowling Coach, Replaces Sunil Joshi

Sairaj Bahutule Joins Punjab Kings as Spin Bowling Coach, Replaces Sunil Joshi

Former India legspinner Sairaj Bahutule has been appointed as the new spin bowling coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He replaces Sunil Joshi, who served in the role from 2023 to 2025.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Joshi stepped down from his position to take up a new role as spin coach at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

PBKS CEO Satish Menon welcomed Bahutule’s appointment, highlighting his vast domestic coaching experience and technical insight.

“Sairaj’s deep understanding of the game, particularly his extensive experience in grooming domestic bowlers and managing strategy, will be invaluable to our side,” Menon said. “His expertise aligns perfectly with our vision of building a strong and cohesive bowling unit for the season ahead.”

Bahutule joins an experienced PBKS backroom staff that includes Ricky Ponting as head coach, Brad Haddin as assistant coach, James Hopes as fast bowling coach, and Trevor Gonsalves as assistant bowling coach.

Expressing his excitement about the new role, Bahutule said:

“I’m really excited to join Punjab Kings as a spin bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season. 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.”

Bahutule previously served as Rajasthan Royals’ spin bowling coach during IPL 2025 and earlier between 2018 and 2021. He also worked with the National Cricket Academy and supported India A teams in recent years.

His move to PBKS follows a series of changes at Rajasthan Royals, including Rahul Dravid’s departure as head coach, with Kumar Sangakkara stepping in as his replacement.

Punjab Kings will hope Bahutule’s arrival bolsters their bowling department after a strong 2025 campaign where they finished runners-up, narrowly losing the IPL final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six runs.