India to appoint new spin coach? Gautam Gambhir, BCCI hold discussions with IPL franchise to fill position: Report

The Indian cricket team may introduce a new staff member to their coaching unit, with talks heating up to bring a coach currently involved in the ongoing Indian Premier League season. Considering India's struggles against spin, the BCCI and head coach Gautam Gambhir have reportedly held successful discussions with a prospective entrant.

Despite Team India's recent victories and title wins in white-ball cricket, their struggles in the game's longest format remain a primary concern. The Men in Blue's series defeats against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa have become a wake-up call, exposing the batters' shortcomings against spin bowling.

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Team India to appoint new spin coach

BCCI and Gambhir are working to address the team’s flaws and have reportedly approved the appointment of Sairaj Bahutule as the Men in Blue’s spin‑bowling coach. According to Cricbuzz, the Indian head coach and BCCI's senior officials held discussions with Bahutule, and Gambhir recommended his name for the role.

Bahutule’s appointment is expected to strengthen India’s spin unit and help the batters overcome their long‑standing struggles against spin, an issue that has haunted them during recent Test tours, both at home and abroad.

Bahutule is currently part of the Punjab Kings franchise in IPL 2026 and has featured in two Tests and eight ODI matches for Team India from 2001-03. The spin coach has also travelled with the senior men's team when he was part of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (formerly National Cricket Academy) under VVS Laxman.

Notably, former India head coach Rahul Dravid has also worked with Bahutule in a few tours, in which the latter was a member of the coaching staff.

When will Bahutule join the Men in Blue?

BCCI and Gambhir have greenlit Bahutule's appointment, and the 53-year-old is expected to officially join the team as their spin bowling coach soon. But he is currently under contractual obligations with the Punjab Kings. Earlier, he was part of the Rajasthan Royals under Dravid, who was the head coach the previous season.

Bahutule may part ways with the IPL franchise after the ongoing season, but the timeline depends on the length of his deal with the side.