India has made a significant change in its coaching setup ahead of the upcoming one-off Test against afghanistan. The red-ball season is set to resume immediately after the conclusion of the ipl 2026As preparations are gaining momentum, the team management is moving quickly to strengthen its backroom staff.
The Afghanistan Test, which will be played in New Chandigarh from June 6, is India’s first Test assignment of the year. The hosts will be aiming to make a strong start after mixed results in the recent home series, making every aspect of preparation crucial ahead of the contest.
under head coach Gautam GambhirIndia has continued to refine its coaching structure by bringing in experts in various departments. The latest appointment adds further experience to the support staff and is expected to play a vital role in the development of the team’s spin attack across all formats.
India appoints new spin-bowling coach
In an important 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 team after serving as spin-bowling coach 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 team has a mix of established performers and promising youngsters. -Kuldeep Yadav The left-arm spinner is expected to lead the spin attack while washington beautiful Also provide many options for team management. Bahutule brings extensive coaching experience to the role. Over the years, he has worked with domestic teams including Kerala and Bengal and has also been a 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 almost 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, taking 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches as well as 197 wickets in List A cricket.
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India has started preparations for the Afghanistan test
One of the major reasons behind Bahutule’s appointment is his vast experience of 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 human improvement And Harsh Dubey.
He joins an experienced coaching group that already includes batting coaches Sitanshu Kotakfast bowling coach morne morkelfielding coach T Dilip and assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate. This also fills a specialist role within the setup, as India has not had a dedicated spin-bowling coach in recent times.
India’s immediate focus is on the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10. With established names in the squad as well as the possibility of young spin options, the team management will hope that the strong coaching staff can help India make a strong start to their international season.
Also read: Team India’s schedule after IPL 2026: Complete list of upcoming Tests, ODIs and T20Is