India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, saying the left-arm wrist-spinner bowled very well in Galle despite having to adjust his role according to the match situation.&nbsp;“He’s been bowling extremely well. It’s just that the situations that arose in Galle, he had to play a different role. So that’s all he had to adapt to, and he tried his best to adapt to that role and tried to execute as much as possible,” Bahutule said during the pre-match press conference.&nbsp;Kuldeep bowled with a flatter trajectory in Galle instead of his usual style of giving the ball more air. Bahutule explained that the change was made based on the pitch conditions and what was needed at different stages of the match.&nbsp;“We had to see how the trajectory or the speeds work in every session. And as the days went by, and as there was a demand for different types of speeds and different types of trajectories, he definitely was making an effort to bowl that,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/diamond-league-2026-live-when-and-where-to-watch-neeraj-chopra-s-javelin-event-1787314132744">Diamond League 2026 Live: When and where to watch Neeraj Chopra’s javelin event</a>&nbsp;Bahutule also said Kuldeep continued to rely on his strengths as a wrist-spinner, even as the pitch became slower during the Test.&nbsp;“He was playing his role. Each bowler has his own strengths. He was operating as a wrist-spinner in a way, where obviously the wicket got slower and slower each day. But I’m sure he was bowling the way he normally bowls,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read - &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-satwik-chirag-suffer-heartbreaking-loss-in-quarterfinals-to-chinese-pair-1787319256986">BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag knocked out after losing to Chinese pair</a>&nbsp;The India spin coach also praised young spinner Manav Suthar, saying his experience in domestic cricket has helped him understand his bowling well.&nbsp;“He’s somebody who, since he’s been bowling, has bowled a lot in domestic cricket in the Ranji Trophy. He’s done the hard yards, and he’s come into international cricket. So he understands his bowling well,” Bahutule said.&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Kuldeep Yadav is expected to remain in India’s plans for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo despite a quiet outing in Galle. Spin coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed the wrist-spinner to make a comeback, even as Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja impressed in the series opener.

India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, saying the left-arm wrist-spinner bowled very well in Galle despite having to adjust his role according to the match situation. “He’s been bowling extremely well. It’s just that the situations that arose in Galle, he had to play a different role. So that’s all he had to adapt to, and he tried his best to adapt to that role and tried to execute as much as possible,” Bahutule said during the pre-match press conference. Kuldeep bowled with a flatter trajectory in Galle instead of his usual style of giving the ball more air. Bahutule explained that the change was made based on the pitch conditions and what was needed at different stages of the match. “We had to see how the trajectory or the speeds work in every session. And as the days went by, and as there was a demand for different types of speeds and different types of trajectories, he definitely was making an effort to bowl that,” he said. Also Read - Diamond League 2026 Live: When and where to watch Neeraj Chopra’s javelin event Bahutule also said Kuldeep continued to rely on his strengths as a wrist-spinner, even as the pitch became slower during the Test. “He was playing his role. Each bowler has his own strengths. He was operating as a wrist-spinner in a way, where obviously the wicket got slower and slower each day. But I’m sure he was bowling the way he normally bowls,” he added. Also Read - BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag knocked out after losing to Chinese pair The India spin coach also praised young spinner Manav Suthar, saying his experience in domestic cricket has helped him understand his bowling well. “He’s somebody who, since he’s been bowling, has bowled a lot in domestic cricket in the Ranji Trophy. He’s done the hard yards, and he’s come into international cricket. So he understands his bowling well,” Bahutule said. With inputs from agencies

Kuldeep Yadav is expected to remain in India’s plans for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo despite a quiet outing in Galle. Spin coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed the wrist-spinner to make a comeback, even as Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja impressed in the series opener.

'Bowling extremely well': India coach backs Kuldeep ahead of second Test vs Sri Lanka

Team India’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has blamed provocation from Sri Lanka A players for teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ‘uncalled-for’ reaction, including physical touch, during the recently concluded India A game in Dambulla. While he remained neutral in his assessment of who was largely wrong during that ‘unfortunate incident’, Bahutule urged the Sri Lankan coaches to school the A-team players and educate them on behaving properly. He, however, also echoed the same words and intentions for India-A opener Sooryavanshi.&nbsp;Following the super-over drama after the scores were tied in regular time, Sooryavanshi and Vishen Halambage were involved in an ugly spat, including pushing each other, with Sri Lankan keeper Niroshan Dickwella stepping in immediately. That episode made headlines worldwide for all the wrong reasons.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vaibhav-sooryavanshi-fight-sri-lanka-a-player-after-super-over-loss-in-dambulla-india-a-1781537287471">WATCH| IPL fame Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pushes Sri Lanka A player after super-over loss</a> &nbsp;Fresh details have emerged claiming that the Sri Lankan A player provoked Vaibhav, who, along with Suryansh Shedge, failed to chase 17 in the super over.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Match over…now you go home,” Halambage reportedly said to Sooryavanshi, as also quoted by the Times of India (TOI), triggering the India batter, who then furiously approached Halambage and pushed him, leading to an unpleasant sight. &nbsp;Speaking on the matter, Bahutule said, "It was an unfortunate incident, but we don't know how it was provoked. The way I know Vaibhav, he is a very composed boy." &nbsp;"It was unfortunate, but I'm sure there are experienced coaches there who will explain things to him. I think the Sri Lankan players should also be educated in terms of how we need to behave, and the same goes for us,” he continued. &nbsp;Bahutule backed the teen prodigy, saying Vaibhav has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as he represents India, and that he must take this as a learning curve and avoid getting into such situations again. &nbsp;"We will make sure that information is given to him as to why that happened. He is a young kid with a lot of responsibilities and is representing India. I think there will be some understanding, and I'm sure he won't repeat it."&nbsp; &nbsp;"I think such incidents can be avoided,” he concluded. &nbsp;Meanwhile, India-A has lost two matches thus far and will face Afghanistan-A in their next game on Wednesday (Jun 17) in Dambulla.

India coach Sairaj Bahutule defends 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, blaming intense Sri Lankan provocation for the shocking post-match Super Over altercation in Dambulla.

Team India’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has blamed provocation from Sri Lanka A players for teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ‘uncalled-for’ reaction, including physical touch, during the recently concluded India A game in Dambulla. While he remained neutral in his assessment of who was largely wrong during that ‘unfortunate incident’, Bahutule urged the Sri Lankan coaches to school the A-team players and educate them on behaving properly. He, however, also echoed the same words and intentions for India-A opener Sooryavanshi. Following the super-over drama after the scores were tied in regular time, Sooryavanshi and Vishen Halambage were involved in an ugly spat, including pushing each other, with Sri Lankan keeper Niroshan Dickwella stepping in immediately. That episode made headlines worldwide for all the wrong reasons. Also read | WATCH| IPL fame Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pushes Sri Lanka A player after super-over loss Fresh details have emerged claiming that the Sri Lankan A player provoked Vaibhav, who, along with Suryansh Shedge, failed to chase 17 in the super over. “Match over…now you go home,” Halambage reportedly said to Sooryavanshi, as also quoted by the Times of India (TOI), triggering the India batter, who then furiously approached Halambage and pushed him, leading to an unpleasant sight. Speaking on the matter, Bahutule said, "It was an unfortunate incident, but we don't know how it was provoked. The way I know Vaibhav, he is a very composed boy." "It was unfortunate, but I'm sure there are experienced coaches there who will explain things to him. I think the Sri Lankan players should also be educated in terms of how we need to behave, and the same goes for us,” he continued. Bahutule backed the teen prodigy, saying Vaibhav has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as he represents India, and that he must take this as a learning curve and avoid getting into such situations again. "We will make sure that information is given to him as to why that happened. He is a young kid with a lot of responsibilities and is representing India. I think there will be some understanding, and I'm sure he won't repeat it." "I think such incidents can be avoided,” he concluded. Meanwhile, India-A has lost two matches thus far and will face Afghanistan-A in their next game on Wednesday (Jun 17) in Dambulla.

India coach Sairaj Bahutule defends 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, blaming intense Sri Lankan provocation for the shocking post-match Super Over altercation in Dambulla.

India coach Bahutule blames provocation for teen sensation Sooryavanshi’s super-over shove

Sairaj Bahutule, the former Indian leg-spinner and a domestic giant with over 600 wickets in First-Class cricket, will join Team India’s backroom staff as their spin-bowling coach for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. The 53-year-old Punjab Kings spin coach will also work with the spinners in white-ball cricket.&nbsp;Bahutule’s coaching experience should come in handy for the Indian spinners across formats. While his latest stint was with PBKS during the just-concluded IPL 2026, where his team finished outside the top four, Sairaj worked with Kerala and Bengal men’s teams earlier. Even in the IPL, he was part of Rajasthan Royals’ support staff from 2018 to 2021, before joining the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He rejoined the franchise for one year during the 2025 edition.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-founder-lalit-modi-biggest-regret-giving-bcci-too-much-power-indian-premier-league-valuation-ipl-2026-final-rcb-beat-gt-1780399643914">‘My Biggest Regret’: IPL founder Lalit Modi on giving BCCI too much power</a> &nbsp;During Rahul Dravid’s tenure as Team India head coach, Sairaj was part of the support staff for India A series, alongside a few India series. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Bahutule had a brief international career. Since making his India debut in 1997, the leg-spinner has played only two Tests and eight ODIs, with his last appearance coming in 2003. However, in domestic cricket, Bahutule registered 630 FC wickets in 188 matches, and 197 in 143 List-A Games &nbsp;Bahutule will now join Team India’s coaching staff consisting of the head coach (Gautam Gambhir), bowling coach Morne Morkel, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, T Dilip (fielding coach) and Ryan Ten Doeschate (assistant coach). &nbsp;Sitting in the sixth place on the WTC points table with four wins, as many losses and a draw, Team India must pull up its socks should they wish to stay alive in the race for the top two in this cycle. Team India will return to action for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, starting June 6.&nbsp;

Domestic cricket legend Sairaj Bahutule joins Gautam Gambhir's Team India backroom staff as specialist spin coach ahead of the Afghanistan Test in Chandigarh.

Sairaj Bahutule, the former Indian leg-spinner and a domestic giant with over 600 wickets in First-Class cricket, will join Team India’s backroom staff as their spin-bowling coach for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. The 53-year-old Punjab Kings spin coach will also work with the spinners in white-ball cricket. Bahutule’s coaching experience should come in handy for the Indian spinners across formats. While his latest stint was with PBKS during the just-concluded IPL 2026, where his team finished outside the top four, Sairaj worked with Kerala and Bengal men’s teams earlier. Even in the IPL, he was part of Rajasthan Royals’ support staff from 2018 to 2021, before joining the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He rejoined the franchise for one year during the 2025 edition. Also read | ‘My Biggest Regret’: IPL founder Lalit Modi on giving BCCI too much power During Rahul Dravid’s tenure as Team India head coach, Sairaj was part of the support staff for India A series, alongside a few India series. Meanwhile, Bahutule had a brief international career. Since making his India debut in 1997, the leg-spinner has played only two Tests and eight ODIs, with his last appearance coming in 2003. However, in domestic cricket, Bahutule registered 630 FC wickets in 188 matches, and 197 in 143 List-A Games Bahutule will now join Team India’s coaching staff consisting of the head coach (Gautam Gambhir), bowling coach Morne Morkel, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, T Dilip (fielding coach) and Ryan Ten Doeschate (assistant coach). Sitting in the sixth place on the WTC points table with four wins, as many losses and a draw, Team India must pull up its socks should they wish to stay alive in the race for the top two in this cycle. Team India will return to action for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, starting June 6.

Domestic cricket legend Sairaj Bahutule joins Gautam Gambhir's Team India backroom staff as specialist spin coach ahead of the Afghanistan Test in Chandigarh.

Remember Sairaj Bahutule? PBKS spin coach joins India support staff for Afghanistan series

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.&nbsp;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, Vidharbha and Bengal, and IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, focusing on developing young talent and optimizing bowling strategies across formats.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;"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.”&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;Sairaj Bahutule also shared his excitement about joining the franchise and stated, “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."&nbsp;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.

Sairaj 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. 

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, Vidharbha 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. ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history "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.” ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more Sairaj Bahutule also shared his excitement about joining the franchise and stated, “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.

Sairaj 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.&nbsp;

IPL 2026: Former India all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule joins Punjab Kings as spin bowling coach

Team India’s new interim bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, has given a heads-up to the fans, asking them to be ready to watch a different playing template from now. After the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka ended in a tie on Friday, Bahutule said the Indian fans would see more top-order batters rolling their arms, giving the captain more options to pick from.&nbsp;

Since Gautam Gambhir took over the reins from Rahul Dravid, the difference in the decision-making was visible from the offset. During the recently-concluded T20I series against Sri Lanka, which India won 3-0, part-timers including Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav, alongside all-rounder Riyan Parag, bowled; and not only that, but they also won matches for the country with that.

Even during the first ODI, opener Shubman Gill bowled an over.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-fans-troll-arshdeep-singh-for-poor-judgment-in-1st-odi-vs-sl-ms-dhoni-reunites-with-joginder-sharma-746761">Cricket: Fans troll Arshdeep Singh for poor judgment in 1st ODI vs SL; MS Dhoni reunites with Joginder Sharma</a>

Speaking on the same lines, Bahutule said, “I think our batters are good bowlers as well, to be honest. You know their primary skill is batting, so at times, they don’t focus much on their bowling. But they have the skills.”

“You might have seen in the T20Is…Rinku and Surya contributed with the ball. So, an opportunity was given to Shubman here. It’s going to be an all-rounder’s game in the coming days. So, if one or two (batsmen) from the top order can bowl it will definitely help the team, of course, depending on pitch conditions and situations.

“Also, it will be a surprise element to the opposition, if a batter can bowl. So, moving ahead, there will be ample opportunities for batters to bowl,” the interim bowling coach continued.

<h2>Bahutule praises bowlers, admits SL scored 15-20 runs more</h2>

At a time when the Indian bowlers reduced Sri Lanka to 160 for six on a tougher batting wicket, they looked like wrapping their innings inside 200; however, a handy stand between Dunith Wellalage and Hasaranga saw the hosts cross 200 and put a fighting total on the board.

Despite that, the Indian bowlers were right on the target. Praising them for their efforts, Bahutule said,

“They had a partnership after we got them down to 160 for six, maybe we could have got them for 15-20 runs less. But overall, I think the bowlers did well. Arshdeep and Siraj began well, and Shivam bowled well on a wicket, which was slightly helpful to the spinners.

“I think spinners – Washi, Axar and Kuldeep – contributed well. To restrict them to 230 was, I think, a good effort,” he concluded.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the second ODI is scheduled for Sunday (August 4) in Colombo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Team India’s new interim bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, has given a heads-up to the fans, asking them to be ready to watch a different playing template from now.

Team India’s new interim bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, has given a heads-up to the fans, asking them to be ready to watch a different playing template from now. After the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka ended in a tie on Friday, Bahutule said the Indian fans would see more top-order batters rolling their arms, giving the captain more options to pick from. Since Gautam Gambhir took over the reins from Rahul Dravid, the difference in the decision-making was visible from the offset. During the recently-concluded T20I series against Sri Lanka, which India won 3-0, part-timers including Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav, alongside all-rounder Riyan Parag, bowled; and not only that, but they also won matches for the country with that. Even during the first ODI, opener Shubman Gill bowled an over. ALSO READ: Cricket: Fans troll Arshdeep Singh for poor judgment in 1st ODI vs SL; MS Dhoni reunites with Joginder Sharma Speaking on the same lines, Bahutule said, “I think our batters are good bowlers as well, to be honest. You know their primary skill is batting, so at times, they don’t focus much on their bowling. But they have the skills.” “You might have seen in the T20Is…Rinku and Surya contributed with the ball. So, an opportunity was given to Shubman here. It’s going to be an all-rounder’s game in the coming days. So, if one or two (batsmen) from the top order can bowl it will definitely help the team, of course, depending on pitch conditions and situations. “Also, it will be a surprise element to the opposition, if a batter can bowl. So, moving ahead, there will be ample opportunities for batters to bowl,” the interim bowling coach continued. Bahutule praises bowlers, admits SL scored 15-20 runs more At a time when the Indian bowlers reduced Sri Lanka to 160 for six on a tougher batting wicket, they looked like wrapping their innings inside 200; however, a handy stand between Dunith Wellalage and Hasaranga saw the hosts cross 200 and put a fighting total on the board. Despite that, the Indian bowlers were right on the target. Praising them for their efforts, Bahutule said, “They had a partnership after we got them down to 160 for six, maybe we could have got them for 15-20 runs less. But overall, I think the bowlers did well. Arshdeep and Siraj began well, and Shivam bowled well on a wicket, which was slightly helpful to the spinners. “I think spinners – Washi, Axar and Kuldeep – contributed well. To restrict them to 230 was, I think, a good effort,” he concluded. Meanwhile, the second ODI is scheduled for Sunday (August 4) in Colombo. (With inputs from PTI)

SL vs IND - Be ready to watch more batters turn into bowlers, says Sairaj Bahutule after tied ODI in Colombo

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'Bowling extremely well': India coach backs Kuldeep ahead of second Test vs Sri Lanka

India coach blames provocation for teen prodigy Sooryavanshi’s super-over shove

Remember Sairaj Bahutule? PBKS spin coach joins India support staff for AFG Test

Ex-India all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule joins Punjab Kings as spin bowling coach

SL vs IND - Be ready to watch more batters turn into bowlers, says Sairaj Bahutule after tied ODI in Colombo