In a strategic move aimed at strengthening their bowling department, Punjab Kings have officially appointed Sairaj Bahutule as their new spin bowling coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The decision reflects the franchise’s renewed focus on tactical depth, player development, and long-term performance improvement as they rebuild for future success.
Bahutule, a respected figure in Indian domestic cricket and coaching circles, brings with him extensive experience as a former international cricketer and a proven spin-bowling mentor. His appointment is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Punjab Kings’ spin resources, especially on turning wickets during away fixtures and high-pressure playoff scenarios.
Why Punjab Kings Chose Sairaj Bahutule for IPL 2026
The decision to bring in Sairaj Bahutule as spin bowling coach is part of Punjab Kings’ broader strategy to revamp their coaching framework ahead of IPL 2026. Over the last few seasons, Punjab Kings have struggled with consistency, particularly in the spin department during middle overs.
Management sources indicate that the franchise was specifically looking for:
- A technically sound spin mentor
- A coach with strong domestic cricket exposure
- Someone capable of nurturing young Indian talent
- A specialist who understands T20 match pressure and bowling plans
Bahutule ticks all these boxes. His appointment signals Punjab Kings’ intention to build a team that can dominate all pitch conditions, especially in spin-friendly venues like Chennai, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Kolkata.
Punjab Kings’ Spin Bowling Challenges in Recent IPL Seasons
In the last few IPL editions, Punjab Kings have often relied heavily on pace bowling, while their spin attack lacked penetration during crucial overs. Some persistent issues included:
- Inadequate wicket-taking ability during middle overs
- High economy rates by spinners
- Limited variation under pressure
- Overdependence on part-time spin options
With the IPL becoming increasingly competitive and tactical, spinners now play a decisive role in controlling run flow and breaking partnerships. The appointment of Bahutule directly addresses this long-standing concern.
How Sairaj Bahutule Will Transform Punjab Kings’ Spin Department
As the new Punjab Kings spin bowling coach for IPL 2026, Bahutule is expected to work closely with both Indian and overseas spinners on:
- Advanced variation training (googlies, sliders, flippers)
- Bowling to set match scenarios
- Field placements for different batter profiles
- Mental conditioning under high-pressure chases
- Game awareness in Powerplay and death overs
His focus will be on transforming Punjab’s spin group into a match-winning unit rather than a defensive one.
Impact on Young Indian Spinners in the Punjab Kings Squad
One of Bahutule’s biggest strengths is his ability to identify and polish emerging talent. Punjab Kings are known for backing young Indian players, and under Bahutule’s mentorship, upcoming spinners can expect:
- Personalized skill development programs
- Video-based performance analysis
- Tactical sessions for different venues
- Match simulation drills
This could be a turning point for Punjab Kings in producing homegrown IPL-quality spinners who can perform consistently across seasons.
Punjab Kings’ Coaching Setup Ahead of IPL 2026
With the inclusion of Sairaj Bahutule, Punjab Kings’ coaching structure is shaping up to be more balanced and specialized. The franchise is expected to add more support staff focusing on:
- Fielding performance
- Data analytics
- Player recovery & workload management
- Tactical scouting
This reflects Punjab Kings’ commitment to evolving as a modern, data-driven IPL franchise capable of competing with elite teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals.
Reactions from the Cricket Fraternity
The appointment has received positive reactions across the Indian cricket ecosystem. Former players and analysts have praised the decision, stating that:
- Bahutule is a technically elite spin mind
- His domestic coaching record speaks for itself
- He understands both red-ball and white-ball spin mastery
- His temperament suits high-pressure franchise cricket
Fans, too, have welcomed the move, hoping it marks a fresh tactical direction for Punjab Kings.
What This Means for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026
With Sairaj Bahutule appointed as spin bowling coach, Punjab Kings are laying the foundation for a smarter, tactically refined IPL 2026 campaign. The focus is no longer only on power-hitting and fast bowling but also on:
- Building pressure through spin
- Winning middle-over battles
- Developing wicket-taking variations
- Enhancing bowling depth
This move could be instrumental in helping Punjab Kings finally break their playoff drought and mount a serious title challenge.
Who was PBKS’s Spin Coach before 2026?
- The previous spin bowling coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) was Sunil Joshi — he held the spin coach role from 2023 to 2025.
- In October 2025, PBKS replaced him with Sairaj Bahutule ahead of the 2026 season.
Why PBKS Decided to Change Spin Coach
New long-term vision for bowling setup
- PBKS management signaled the change as part of a broader effort to strengthen the coaching staff and upgrade the bowling department ahead of IPL 2026.
- Bringing in Bahutule — with extensive first-class and coaching experience — suggests PBKS wants to shift toward a more strategic, development-focused approach rather than just a short-term fix.
Focus on spin-bowling potential and fresh tactics
- Previous seasons reportedly saw PBKS struggling to get consistent performance out of their spin attack; the new appointment indicates a desire for better variation, tactical bowling plans, and disciplined spin performance.
- PBKS appears keen to nurture and improve young Indian spin talent — something Bahutule is known for, given his background with domestic teams and earlier IPL coaching roles.
Sunil Joshi vs Sairaj Bahutule as PBKS Spin Bowling Coaches
| Aspect | Sunil Joshi | Sairaj Bahutule |
|---|---|---|
| Role at PBKS | Spin bowling coach (IPL 2023–2025) (Punjab Kings) | Spin bowling coach from IPL 2026 onwards (Punjab Kings) |
| Bowling style | Left-arm orthodox spinner, all-rounder for India in Tests & ODIs. | Leg-spinner, veteran of Indian first-class cricket and former India international |
| Tenure with PBKS | Appointed Jan 2023; served through 2023–2025 seasons | Appointed October 23, 2025 ahead of IPL 2026 |
| Reason for exit / entry | Stepped down ahead of IPL 2026; expected to take up spin-coach role at BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. | Brought in as replacement to strengthen PBKS’ spin department and align with new long-term bowling strategy. |
| Coaching background | Has coached multiple domestic and international teams (Oman, J&K, Assam, USA, etc.) and served as India chief selector. | Coached several Ranji teams (Kerala, Gujarat, Vidarbha, Bengal) and worked as IPL spin coach (e.g., Rajasthan Royals) focusing on developing bowlers |
Why PBKS Needed a Change for 2026
Natural Transition After Joshi’s Exit
- Sunil Joshi chose to move on from PBKS ahead of IPL 2026, with reports linking him to a full-time role as spin bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
- Once Joshi resigned, PBKS had a clear vacancy in a key specialist role, forcing the franchise to reassess its spin-bowling roadmap for upcoming seasons.
