Former India stand-in bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule is all set to join Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2025. Bahutule, who had earlier worked with Team India on an interim basis, is now preparing for a return to the IPL after resigning from his full-time role at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Even though he was not a regular member of the Indian team’s coaching staff, Bahutule accompanied the team during its foreign visits. He traveled with the team in Sri Lanka under the charge of head coach Gautam Gambhir. He had once been an RR associate but at that time, Rahul Dravid did not enjoy any affiliation with the coaching setup.
Speaking about his new role, Bahutule told Cricbuzz, “The discussions are on, and I am close to finalizing my involvement with the franchise. There are a few details to be worked out, but I am excited to be realigning with the Royals. I am also thrilled to be reuniting with Rahul. He was the one who introduced me to the Indian team during the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in 2023 when I served as the spin-bowling coach. I was also part of his coaching staff in Sri Lanka, so I am looking forward to our reunion.”
Bahutule, a former India spinner, played two Test matches and eight ODIs between 1997 and 2003.
Rahul Dravid Returns to Rajasthan Royals as Head Coach
Rahul Dravid has rejoined RR as their head coach following the conclusion of his tenure with Team India. He was previously associated with the franchise from 2011 to 2013, both as a player and mentor.
After retiring from professional cricket, Dravid took over as RR’s coach and continued for two years. However, his commitments with the BCCI forced him to relinquish IPL teams’ coaching in 2017.
The period from November 2021 to June 2024 will mark the end of Dravid’s tenure leading Team India on a high, since India will be winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 and has reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Following that successful tenure, he is going back to RR, for whom he played an important role as a strategical leader during the team.
