Ex-Rajasthan Royals Coach Joins Punjab Kings in Spin-Bowling Role

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) appointed former Team India leg-spinner and ex-Rajasthan Royals (RR) coach Sairaj Bahutule as their new spin bowling coach. His appointment comes amid RR’s preparations for the IPL 2026 season.

Who Does Bahutule Replace at PBKS?

Bahutule’s appointment fills the vacant position left by Sunil Joshi, who guided PBKS’s spin-bowling contingent at IPL 2025. Reports suggest that Joshi is set to take up a coaching role at a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) training centre.

How Did PBKS Announce Bahutule’s Appointment?

The franchise put out a formal release to announce Bahutule’s assumption of the spin-bowling coach’s role for PBKS ahead of IPL 2026. Multiple news outlets ran the story while citing PBKS’ official statement moments after Bahutule’s confirmation as their new spin coach.

Who is Sairaj Bahutule?

Bahutule made his name in cricket as a reliable leg-spinner across major domestic circles. He shone for the national team at some point and managed to put together a domestic cricket spell lasting several years.

Sairaj gained prominence for his wrist-spin play and developed the unique method into a remarkable training module players can engage in modern-day cricket. His coaching skills coupled with youth-mentoring abilities helps deliver improved technical work to India’s top spin talent at all levels.

Bahutule’s appointment at PBKS provides the team a rich mix of cricket experience and valuable knowledge as a trainer.

Would PBKS Have Hired Bahutule If Joshi Didn’t Leave?

It is unclear if Sunil Joshi’s exit paved the way for Sairaj’s appointment as the PBKS spin-bowling coach. Analysts rightfully recognise that both individuals bring a unique brand of coaching knowledge to any team they join. What PBKS achieve in the spin-bowling department at IPL 2026 remains to be seen after Bahutule’s recent appointment.

Why Did PBKS Pick Bahutule?

PBKS are clearly seeking a stable bowling lineup to face opposition batsmen at the IPL 2026 season. Bahutule’s deep knowledge of domestic cricket and familiarity with IPL franchises gives him a unique edge among other candidates. His wrist spin controls may also come in handy if PBKS decide to transform their bowling department in the new season.  

What Technical Ability Does He Offer?

Variations

Hitting different spin variations will keep opposing batters guessing and limit their shot-selection abilities. Sairaj’s skillset at guiding bowlers into making smart spin variations can be a huge asset as PBKS targets a successful 2026 season.

Release point training

Some talented bowlers may fail to deliver precise balls due to poor release point training. Bahutule is popular for his abilities targeted at steering bowlers release potential towards delivering the best results.

Trajectory management

Hitting spin balls accurately will be impossible without accurate trajectory management. Even the best spinners will struggle without learning how to manage the trajectory of bowled balls properly. 

How Does Bahutule Conduct Training Sessions?

Video analysis

Deep video analysis forms a major part of Bahutule’s training strategy, according to reports. The veteran coach will likely adopt a match analysis approach of previous PBKS games to assess abilities of current players and areas where improvements are necessary.

Match scenario training sessions

Bahutule prefers organising training sessions that mirror real match scenarios. Exposing his players to potential events in live games through training sessions is a smart way to ensure bowlers become familiar with their skillset under different conditions.

Pitch-honing drills

Close sources report that Bahutule favours special drills for specific players with the right abilities to deliver match-winning contributions through bowling. Such drills help players sharpen their skillset towards delivering much-needed scalps during high-stakes games.

Which Players are Unlikely to Leave PBKS After Bahutule’s Appointment?

Players with great performances on record after IPL 2025 are not likely to leave PBKS before next season. PBKS bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal put in fantastic solo outings in 2025 and will be keen to better their output under Bahutule’s tutelage:

Both players and others with similar abilities within their squad will aim to bank their skillset towards directing PBKS’ charge for a coveted IPL crown.  

Who Will Bahutule Work With at PBKS?

Bahutule will work directly with head coach Ricky Ponting, pacer coach James Hopes, and assistant bowling coach Trevor Gonsalves. He will also work with other individuals in the club’s current administrative hierarchy: