Rajasthan Royals Strengthen Coaching Setup with Spin Specialist Sairaj Bahutule
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have made a key addition to their coaching staff, bringing in former India coach Sairaj Bahutule as their spin bowling coach. Bahutule, a former India player and an experienced coach, will work under the leadership of head coach Rahul Dravid, marking his return to the franchise after a three-year stint from 2018 to 2021.
Previously associated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Bahutule played a crucial role in nurturing young Indian spinners. His return to IPL coaching is expected to bring valuable expertise to RR’s spin department as they prepare for the highly competitive 2025 IPL season.
Rahul Dravid Welcomes Bahutule to Rajasthan Royals
Rahul Dravid, who recently returned to Rajasthan Royals as head coach after concluding his tenure with the Indian national team, expressed confidence in Bahutule’s ability to develop the team’s spin 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.”
– Rahul Dravid
Dravid’s return to Rajasthan Royals has been one of the biggest off-season coaching moves, especially after his successful stint as India’s head coach from 2021 to 2024, during which he guided India to the T20 World Cup 2024 title.
Sairaj Bahutule’s Coaching Journey & IPL Experience
Previous Stint with Rajasthan Royals (2018-2021)
Bahutule was previously part of RR’s coaching setup from 2018 to 2021, working extensively with the team’s spinners. His contributions helped shape young domestic players, and his return is seen as a move to further strengthen RR’s bowling unit.
Role at National Cricket Academy (NCA)
Before rejoining RR, Bahutule was associated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where he mentored some of India’s most promising spin bowlers. His expertise played a key role in developing next-generation talents in Indian cricket.
Coaching Philosophy
Bahutule’s approach to coaching revolves around:
✅ Developing consistency in spin bowling
✅ Using variations effectively in T20 cricket
✅ Mentoring young spinners for high-pressure situations
Sairaj Bahutule’s Reaction to Rejoining Rajasthan Royals
Speaking about his return to Rajasthan Royals, Bahutule expressed excitement about working with the team once again.
“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’s presence will be instrumental in helping Rajasthan build a strong bowling attack, particularly in the spin department, which is crucial in IPL conditions.
Rahul Dravid’s Return to Rajasthan Royals – A Full Circle Moment
Rahul Dravid rejoined Rajasthan Royals in 2024 as their head coach, marking his return to the franchise after more than a decade.
Dravid’s History with RR
- 2011-2013: Played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
- 2013-2015: Took over as RR’s head coach before moving on to work with BCCI’s developmental programs.
- 2021-2024: Served as India’s head coach, guiding them to the T20 World Cup 2024 title.
- 2024-Present: Returns as RR’s head coach, aiming to lead them to their second IPL title.
Rajasthan Royals’ Squad & Preparations for IPL 2025
With Dravid at the helm and Bahutule handling spin bowling, Rajasthan Royals are strategically strengthening their coaching staff to prepare for IPL 2025.
RR’s core players for IPL 2025 include:
✔ Sanju Samson (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
✔ Jos Buttler (Explosive Opener)
✔ Yashasvi Jaiswal (Promising Young Talent)
✔ Trent Boult (Lead Pacer)
✔ Ravichandran Ashwin & Yuzvendra Chahal (Spin Attack Leaders)
✔ Shimron Hetmyer (Power-Hitter in the Middle Order)
With Dravid’s mentorship and Bahutule’s expertise in spin, Rajasthan Royals will be eyeing a strong title challenge in IPL 2025.
IPL 2025 – Key Rajasthan Royals Fixtures
📅 Rajasthan Royals’ first match: To be announced after the IPL 2025 schedule release
🏟️ Home Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
With an experienced coaching staff and a solid squad, RR will be a strong contender in IPL 2025, hoping to bring home their second IPL title after winning the inaugural edition in 2008.
Where to Watch IPL 2025?
📡 TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (India)
📱 Live Streaming: JioCinema (India), Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (USA)
🕖 Match Timings: IPL 2025 schedule to be announced soon
Can Rajasthan Royals Win IPL 2025?
With Rahul Dravid returning as head coach and Sairaj Bahutule strengthening the spin department, Rajasthan Royals are building a strong coaching team ahead of IPL 2025.
The question now is: Can RR convert this backroom expertise into an IPL title?
What do you think of Rajasthan Royals’ coaching changes? Can they win IPL 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments!
