Sairaj Bahutule set to return to RR. [Source - RR/X.COM]
Former Indian Cricketer and coach Sairaj Bahutule is set to join Rajasthan Royals and work alongside Rahul Dravid for the forthcoming IPL 2025 season according to a report from Cricbuzz. Bahutule, who recently resigned from his position as the bowling coach at BCCI’s newly built Centre of Excellence (COE), is going to start a new journey with Rajasthan Royals, in what will be his second stint as coach with the Rajasthan based franchise.
He will be back with the franchise as spin bowling coach after four years and work alongside Shane Bond who is the fast bowling coach of the side. Bahutule had previously worked with the Royals between 2018 and 2021 before joining the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru as spin bowling coach.
During his time at the NCA, Bahutule mainly focused on nurturing and development of young talents. Additionally, he also travelled with the India Men's team back in 2021, 2023 when Dravid was in charge and recently as stand-in bowling coach last year.
The Bahutule-Dravid Reunion
While speaking to Cricbuzz on Friday, February 7, Bahutule confirmed his return to Rajasthan Royals in what will be his second stint after serving the franchise in the past.
“The discussions are ongoing, and I'm close to finalizing my involvement with the Rajasthan Royals. There are still a few details to be worked out, but I'm excited to be realigning with the Royals and also thrilled to be reuniting with Rahul," Bahutule said.
The Mumbai-born cricketer was a renowned first-class leg spinner during his time who played 188 first-class matches and took a total of 630 wickets in his 21-year long career. Additionally, he has also featured in two Tests and eight ODIs for India.
After his retirement, Bahutule coached many domestic teams in the country and was also hired by Cricket Australia to work with young Aussie spinners in their Centre of Excellence in Brisbane back in the year 2017.