India head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly held talks with Sairaj Bahutule and convinced him to join his coaching staff after the conclusion of the ongoing IPL 2026 season. Bahutule is currently serving as the spin-bowling coach of Punjab Kings.
Bahutule held discussions with Gambhir and senior BCCI officials and is set to part ways with PBKS at the end of the IPL.
The 53-year-old has reportedly impressed many with his work as a spin-bowling coach, with Gambhir believed to be among his admirers.
A leg-spinner, Bahutule represented India in two Tests and eight ODIs between 1997 and 2003.
While his international career was brief, Bahutule enjoyed a rich domestic career in India, representing five different teams – Maharashtra, Mumbai, Andhra, Assam and Vidarbha – besides representing Surrey too.
He played 188 First-Class matches and claimed 630 wickets at an average of 26, including 27 five-wicket hauls. In List A cricket, he picked up 197 wickets in 143 matches.
