Former India cricketer Sairaj Bahutule has been appointed as the team's spin-bowling coach ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. The 53-year-old represented India in two Tests and eight One-day Internationals, and enjoyed a distinguished first-class career spanning nearly two decades.
A Stellar First-Class Career
Bahutule's first-class career is marked by impressive statistics. He played 165 matches, taking 630 wickets at an average of 25.53, including 40 five-wicket hauls and 10 ten-wicket hauls. His batting contributions were also notable, with 5,308 runs at an average of 28.69, including five centuries and 27 half-centuries.
Domestic Dominance
Primarily representing Mumbai and later Rajasthan, Bahutule was a key figure in domestic cricket. He played a crucial role in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy triumphs and was known for his ability to extract turn and bounce from various surfaces. His experience will be invaluable for India's spinners, especially on tracks that assist spin bowling.
Coaching Role and Expectations
Bahutule's appointment comes as India prepares for a one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in Bengaluru. The match is expected to be a spin-friendly affair, and Bahutule's expertise will be crucial in fine-tuning the skills of spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed confidence in Bahutule's ability to mentor the spin unit.
Previous Coaching Stints
This is not Bahutule's first coaching role. He has previously served as a bowling coach for the India Under-19 team and has been involved with various IPL franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, as a spin-bowling consultant. His experience at different levels of the game makes him a suitable candidate for the role.
India's Spin Legacy
India has a rich history of world-class spinners, from Erapalli Prasanna and Bishan Singh Bedi to Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Bahutule's appointment continues this tradition, aiming to maintain the high standards of spin bowling in the national team. The Afghanistan Test will be a platform for India's spinners to showcase their skills, and Bahutule's guidance will be instrumental in their preparation.
The BCCI has not specified the duration of Bahutule's contract, but it is expected to extend beyond the Afghanistan Test, possibly covering the upcoming home series against New Zealand and England. His appointment reflects the board's commitment to strengthening the coaching staff with experienced former players who understand the nuances of the game.
