Punjab Kings appoint Sairaj Bahutule as new spin bowling coach ahead of IPL 2026

Published - 23 Oct 2025, 15:43 IST | Updated - 23 Oct 2025, 16:01 IST

Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS), on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of former India cricketer and experienced coach Sairaj Bahutule as the team’s new spin bowling coach ahead of the upcoming season.

Bahutule replaces Sunil Joshi, who served in the role, previously, from 2023 to 2025.

Sairaj Bahutule brings in years of experience, having been a veteran of first-class cricket and a highly-regarded cricket coach. He has previously held coaching roles with domestic teams like Kerala, Gujarat, Vidarbha and Bengal, and IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, focusing on developing young talent and optimizing bowling strategies across formats.

Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings extended a warm welcome to Bahutule and said,

“We extend our sincere thanks to Sunil Joshi for his dedicated service and contribution to the Punjab Kings over the years. As we look forward, we are thrilled to welcome Sairaj Bahutule to our coaching staff. Sairaj’s deep understanding of the game, particularly his extensive experience in grooming domestic bowlers and managing strategy, will be invaluable to our side. His expertise aligns perfectly with our vision of building a strong and cohesive bowling unit for the season ahead.”

“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."

The appointment is a significant step in the direction of strengthening the core unit with strategic expertise ahead of the player auction and the upcoming season. Notably, multiple reports have suggested that the IPL 2026 mini auctions will be held in December 2025, although an official confirmation from the BCCI is currently awaited.