IPL 2025: Former India cricketer joins Rahul Dravid, set to coach Rajasthan Royals

In the revamped coaching contingent of Rajasthan Royals, the franchise is set to rope in another member who has previously worked with them.

Former India spinner Sairaj Bahutule is set to rejoin the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as their spin bowling coach for the upcoming season.

Previously associated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Bahutule had a prior stint with the Royals from 2018 to 2021 before his tenure at the NCA.

At RR, he will collaborate with bowling coach Shane Bond and head coach Rahul Dravid, with whom he has previously worked during Dravid's tenure with the Indian team.

"The discussions are ongoing, and I'm close to finalizing my involvement with the franchise. There are still a few details to be worked out, but I'm excited to be realigning with the Royals," Bahutule was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

He further added, "I'm also thrilled to be reuniting with Rahul. He was the one who introduced me to the Indian team during the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in 2023 when I served as the spin-bowling coach. I was also part of his coaching staff in Sri Lanka, so I'm looking forward to our reunion."

In his new role, Bahutule will work with the Royals' bowlers throughout the year, including talented spinners such as Maheesh Teekshana, Kumar Kartikeya, and Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2025.

Rajasthan Royals roped in Rahul Dravid as head coach ahead of IPL 2025, after the India legend left his role as head coach of the Indian national team. Bahutule represented India in 2 Tests and 8 ODIs between 1997 and 2003. He has previously coached the likes of Kerala and Bengal in domestic cricket.