Punjab Kings has made a crucial addition to its coaching roster for IPL 2026 with ex-Indian leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule coming on board as the side’s new spin bowling coach. Previous coach Sunil Joshi had coached the team from 2023 till 2025. The development indicates Punjab’s desire to bolster their bowling lineup even further as they look to better their significant showing in the last edition.
Bahutule is familiar with the IPL setup. He most recently was with the coaching team at Rajasthan Royals and was influential in shaping their spin attack. Having coached in India’s domestic circuit for years, Bahutule has both the technical know-how and tactical wisdom. His past activity with sides like Bengal, Kerala, Vidarbha, and Gujarat has been well spotted for nurturing promising bowlers to make them refined to play at the next level.
Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon thanked Sunil Joshi and said the franchise was looking forward to Bahutule coming on board. He added that Bahutule’s extensive knowledge in spin bowling and his experience of handling young talent will be extremely useful for the team‘s progress. “The franchise is all set to turn a page under the leadership of someone who can work experience (albeit motivated) with cutting-edge skills, tactics, and tech,” says Menon.
For Bahutule, it represents another exciting challenge in his coaching sojourn. He said he was excited about joining the franchise and that the team played with energy and fearlessness. Bahutule said he was looking forward to working with a talented bunch of players in Punjab and bringing the best out of them. His primary objective is probably going to be the mountain spin attack, something that can make a significant impact in matches of consequence.
The 51-year-old will now serve under head coach Ricky Ponting, with whom the former was joined by Brad Haddin and James Hopers en route to taking Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final. With such a powerful and well-balanced coaching group behind them, Punjab Kings look like they are set to make another huge stride in the 2026 season. The presence of Bahutule will inject more clairvoyance, depth, and experience into their already rich pool.
