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Rajasthan Royals (RR) have appointed former India all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule as their spin bowling coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Rajasthan Royals names a new spin bowling coach for the IPL 2025
Sairaj returns to the franchise after previously serving in the role between 2018 and 2021. Known for his vast experience in domestic and international cricket, the brings a wealth of knowledge to the Royals’ setup as they aim to end their long-standing trophy drought. Bahutule said it’s a great honor to rejoin Royals. The franchise’s dedication to nurturing talent and playing an exciting brand of cricket aligns with my coaching philosophy
“Joining Rajasthan Royals again is a tremendous honor. The franchise’s commitment to nurturing talent and playing an exciting brand of cricket resonates with my own coaching philosophy. I am eager to work alongside Rahul and the rest of the coaching staff to develop our bowling attack and contribute to the team’s success. Together, we aim to achieve great milestones in the forthcoming season,” Bahutule said in a statement released by the Rajasthan Royals.
A stalwart of Indian domestic cricket
Bahutule has had an illustrious domestic career, having taken over 630 wickets and scored more than 6,000 runs in first-class cricket. Though his international appearances were limited to two Tests and eight ODIs, his contributions to Mumbai’s dominance in the Ranji Trophy made him one of the most respected names in Indian cricket. After retiring as a player, Bahutule smoothly transitioned into coaching and has mentored teams like Mumbai, Bengal, Kerala, and the Indian national team. His deep understanding of spin bowling is expected to be a valuable asset for Rajasthan Royals, especially in assisting young spinners.
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Working under Rahul Dravid and strengthening RR’s coaching staff
With Bahutule’s appointment, Royals have further bolstered their coaching staff ahead of IPL 2025. He will work under head coach Rahul Dravid, who himself has returned to the franchise after his tenure as India’s head coach. The Royals have also recently onboarded Vikram Rathour as their batting coach, indicating a significant revamp in their backroom staff.
The presence of experienced figures like Dravid, Rathour, and Bahutule is expected to enhance the Royals’ strategic approach, particularly in helping the squad maintain consistency across the long IPL season. With spin playing a crucial role in IPL matches, Bahutule’s guidance will be instrumental in refining the team’s bowling attack.
“Sairaj’s deep understanding of spin bowling and his extensive coaching experience make him an invaluable addition to our team. His proven ability to mentor young bowlers aligns perfectly with our vision at Rajasthan Royals. Having worked with him before, I am confident that his insights and guidance will significantly benefit our players as we strive for excellence in the upcoming season,” Dravid said.
Rajasthan Royals eyeing a second IPL title after 17 years
Despite being the inaugural IPL champions in 2008, the Royals have failed to win the title in the last 17 seasons. While they have come close on several occasions, including finishing as runners-up in IPL 2022, inconsistency has often plagued their performances in crucial stages of the tournament.
Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, the franchise is making significant moves both in terms of squad building and coaching appointments. With Bahutule back in the mix, the team will be looking to improve their spin bowling department, a crucial aspect in their bid to claim a long-awaited second IPL title.
As Royals gear up for the upcoming season, their focus on assembling a strong coaching unit reflects their ambition to return to championship-winning ways. With Bahutule’s expertise and the leadership of Dravid and Rathour, the franchise hopes to find the right balance between experience and youthful energy, ultimately aiming to lift the IPL 2025 trophy.
