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Punjab Kings Appoint Sairaj Bahutule as Spin Bowling Coach Ahead of IPL 2026

The former India leg-spinner replaces Sunil Joshi, with PBKS turning to his experience for retention calls before an auction widely expected in mid-December.

Overview

  • The franchise announced the hire on October 23, confirming Bahutule’s addition to an otherwise retained coaching group under head coach Ricky Ponting.
  • Bahutule takes over from Sunil Joshi, who served from 2023 to 2025 and has moved to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
  • PBKS said Bahutule will contribute to player-retention decisions, with a tentative deadline of November 15 reported by multiple outlets.
  • Auction planning for IPL 2026 is part of his brief, with the event widely reported to be slated for mid-December, pending formal BCCI confirmation.
  • A first-class stalwart and experienced coach, Bahutule has previously worked with Kerala, Gujarat, Vidarbha, Bengal, the Rajasthan Royals, and the BCCI Centre of Excellence.