Sairaj Bahutule, the seasoned former India spinner, is on the verge of making a return to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as their spin bowling coach for the highly anticipated IPL 2025 season.
Discussions between Bahutule and the franchise are in the final stages, and sources indicate that an agreement is imminent, paving the way for Bahutule to once again don the Royals’ colors, albeit in a coaching capacity.
A Familiar Face Returns to the Royals’ Dugout:
This move marks a homecoming for Bahutule, who previously served as a valuable member of the Rajasthan Royals’ coaching staff from 2018 to 2021.
During his earlier stint with the franchise, he played a crucial role in nurturing and guiding the team’s spin bowlers, contributing to their overall success. His familiarity with the Royals’ culture and environment makes him a natural fit for the role.
Prior Experience at the NCA and with the Indian Team:
Before embarking on this new chapter with the Rajasthan Royals, Bahutule honed his coaching skills at the prestigious National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, now known as the Centre of Excellence.
At the NCA, he worked with a pool of talented young cricketers, helping them develop their skills and prepare for the rigors of international cricket.
In addition to his work at the NCA, Bahutule also had the opportunity to serve as a bowling coach for the Indian team on a couple of occasions.
He was part of the coaching staff during the high-profile Border-Gavaskar series in 2023 and also accompanied the team on their tour to Sri Lanka in 2024.
These experiences provided him with invaluable insights into the demands of coaching at the highest level.
Rajasthan Royals Coaching Staff for IPL 2025:
With the expected addition of Sairaj Bahutule as the spin bowling coach, the Rajasthan Royals’ coaching staff for IPL 2025 is shaping up to be a formidable unit. The current coaching staff includes:
- Director of Cricket: Kumar Sangakkara
- Head Coach: Rahul Dravid
- Fast-Bowling Coach: Shane Bond
- Spin Bowling Coach: Sairaj Bahutule (expected)
