India have made an important addition to their coaching setup ahead of the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan. With the red-ball season set to resume shortly after the conclusion of IPL 2026, the team management has moved quickly to strengthen its backroom staff as preparations gather pace.
The Afghanistan Test, which will be played in New Chandigarh from June 6, marks India’s first Test assignment of the year. The hosts will be aiming to make a strong start after a mixed run of results in recent home series, making every aspect of preparation crucial ahead of the contest.
Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, India have continued to refine their coaching structure by bringing in specialists across different departments. The latest appointment adds further experience to the support staff and is expected to play a key role in the development of the team’s spin attack across formats.
India appoint new spin-bowling coach
In a significant development ahead of the Afghanistan Test, India have appointed former leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule as their spin-bowling coach. The 53-year-old joins the national setup after serving as the spin-bowling coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) during IPL 2026. He will work with India’s spinners in both Test and white-ball cricket and becomes the latest addition to the support staff led by head coach Gambhir.
The Afghanistan Test squad features a mix of established performers and promising youngsters. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to lead the spin attack, while left-arm spinners Washington Sundar also provide multiple options for the team management. Bahutule brings extensive coaching experience to the role. Over the years, he has worked with domestic teams including Kerala and Bengal and was also part of Rajasthan Royals (RR) coaching group between 2018 and 2021.
Although his international playing career was relatively brief, Bahutule enjoyed a remarkable domestic career spanning nearly two decades. The former leg-spinner represented India in two Tests and eight ODIs between 1997 and 2003. He also established himself as one of the most successful bowlers in Indian domestic cricket, claiming 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches along with 197 wickets in List A cricket.
India begin preparations for Afghanistan Test
One of the key reasons behind Bahutule’s appointment is his vast experience working with spin bowlers at various levels of Indian cricket. His familiarity with the domestic circuit and emerging talent could prove valuable as India continue to develop the next generation of spinners, including Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey.
He joins an experienced coaching group that already includes batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate. The addition also fills a specialist role within the setup, with India not having a dedicated spin-bowling coach in recent times.
India’s immediate focus remains on the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10. With a squad featuring established names as well as promising young spin options, the team management will hope the strengthened coaching staff can help India make a strong start to their international season.
