Former Indian cricketer and coach Sairaj Bahutule is set to join Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025, as per a Cricbuzz report. He will work alongside head coach Rahul Dravid, marking his second stint with the franchise. Bahutule recently resigned as the bowling coach at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) and is now ready for a new challenge with the Royals.
The former leg-spinner previously worked with Rajasthan Royals between 2018 and 2021 before moving to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. At the NCA, he played a key role in developing young spinners and even traveled with the Indian men’s team in 2021 and 2023 under Dravid’s coaching setup. Last year, he served as a stand-in bowling coach for India.
Bahutule will take charge as the Royals’ spin bowling coach and work alongside Shane Bond, the team’s fast bowling coach. Speaking to Cricbuzz on February 7, he confirmed his return, stating that discussions were nearing finalization. He expressed excitement about rejoining the Royals and working with Dravid again.
Born in Mumbai, Bahutule was a renowned first-class leg-spinner. He played 188 first-class matches and took 630 wickets in his 21-year career. He also played two Tests and eight ODIs.
After retirement, he coached several domestic teams and later worked with Cricket Australia’s Centre of Excellence in 2017 to mentor young Aussie spinners. Now, as he returns to Rajasthan Royals, his vast experience will be crucial in further strengthening the team’s spin attack for IPL 2025.
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