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Delhi: Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has now started preparing to strengthen the support staff of Team India. At present, big names like Sitanshu Kotak, Morne Morkel and T. Dilip are associated with the team, but the lack of a specialist spin bowling coach is being felt in the team. According to reports, former Indian spinner Sairaj Bahutule is the frontrunner for this role. It is being told that Bahutule has also had a long discussion with Gautam Gambhir and BCCI officials regarding this responsibility. Gambhir is said to be impressed by his experience and technical understanding and wants the Indian spinners to get guidance from a different expert.

Sairaj Bahutule has been working with VVS Laxman at the National Cricket Academy for a long time and has also been associated with the senior team several times. Former coach Rahul Dravid had also recommended Bahutule’s inclusion in the support staff during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Sri Lanka tour. Bahutule has played only 2 Tests and 8 ODI matches for India, but his identity is considered very strong in the world of coaching. His record in first class cricket has also been excellent, where he has taken 630 wickets in 188 matches. Cricket experts believe that his experience can give more edge to the Indian spin attack.

Currently, Bahutule is playing the role of spin coach with Punjab Kings in IPL 2026. According to the rules, if he wants to join the support staff of Team India, he may have to leave his current contract with the franchise. However, it is believed that Punjab Kings will not try to stop him because working for the country is considered the biggest priority. Before this, Bahutule has also worked with Rajasthan Royals and is considered an expert in understanding the mentality of the players. It is believed that the Indian team has now started making major changes in the support staff keeping in mind the preparations for the 2027 World Cup.