IPL 2026: Punjab Kings ropes in new bowling coach, Indian legend set to join Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting

In what has been the latest development, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have appointed former India cricketer and experienced coach Sairaj Bahutule as the spin bowling coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. 

Sairaj Bahutule will be replacing Sunil Joshi, who served in the role, previously from 2023 to 2025. Bahutule’s addition will be a massive boost for the side as he brings in a plethora of experience with him, having previously held coaching roles with domestic teams like Kerala, Gujarat, Vidharbha and Bengal, and IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. 

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Him teaming with skipper Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting in the think tank department. The duo did a great job last season as they took the team to the final, which was their first appearance in the summit clash after 2014.

I'm really excited to join Punjab Kings as a spin bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season - Sairaj Bahutule 

PBKS bagged a disappointing loss in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, they would be keen to make a strong comeback next season. The addition of Bahutule will be vital for spinners in Yuzvendra Chahal, Glenn Maxwell and others. 

Sharing his excitement on joining PBKS, he said “I'm really excited to join Punjab Kings as a spin bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season. This is a team that plays a different brand of cricket, and I can see that the potential is massive. They have a bunch of talented players, and I'm looking forward to working with them to refine their skills and help them reach new heights."

Punjab Kings looked the most threatening side in IPL 2025 as they batted and bowled brilliantly throughout the entire tournament. They finished the points table at the top spot and looked red-hot favourites to win the league.

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