In a strategic move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Sairaj Bahutule as the interim bowling coach for the upcoming six-match white-ball series against Sri Lanka. This change has been necessitated due to the unavailability of Morne Morkel, who was originally slated for the role but cannot join the team due to pressing personal matters.
Morne Morkel, the former South African pace bowler, has been a significant consideration for the position of bowling coach in the Indian Men’s Cricket Team. However, Cricbuzz has reported that Morkel, currently residing in Sydney, had to travel to Pretoria to be with his ailing father. Sources have indicated that his situation is still fluid, with the potential for him to join the team ahead of the home series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place between September and October. This series will feature two Tests and three T20Is. “The Morkel deal is not final; talks are still ongoing. He may join later,” stated a well-informed insider.
In Morkel’s absence, Sairaj Bahutule, associated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, has stepped in to fill the crucial role. Aged 51, Bahutule brings a wealth of experience to the table, both as a player and coach. A former leg-spinning all-rounder, he played two Tests and eight One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India during a career spanning from 1997 to 2003. His extensive knowledge, particularly of spin bowling, is seen as a valuable asset, especially considering Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly pitches.
The interim appointment of Bahutule aligns with the broader strategic choices made by the BCCI, revealing a keen emphasis on adapting to the conditions in Sri Lanka. The Indian T20I and ODI squads set for this series include three spinners each, underscoring the importance of the role spin bowling will play.
Additionally, within the coaching setup led by Gautam Gambhir, Bahutule will work alongside other prominent figures. Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate have been appointed as assistant coaches.
. T Dilip, who previously worked under the leadership of Rahul Dravid, will continue serving as the fielding coach. The entire coaching contingent, along with the players, is scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka on Monday afternoon.
Ryan ten Doeschate’s journey to join the team is particularly interesting. Having recently been a part of the LA Knight Riders’ setup in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, ten Doeschate is expected to travel to India and arrive in Mumbai in time for the team’s flight to Sri Lanka. Before setting off, the BCCI will introduce Gautam Gambhir as the new national coach, in an announcement that Gambhir will elaborate on during a press conference on Monday morning.
The Indian cricket team has a packed schedule, with three T20Is and three ODIs lined up from July 27 to August 7. The series is eagerly anticipated, and Bahutule’s expertise will undoubtedly play a critical role in guiding the bowlers through these matches.
Sairaj Bahutule’s appointment is being seen as a pragmatic decision by the BCCI. Given his extensive background and familiarity with the intricacies of spin bowling, his contribution could be a decisive factor in the outcome of the series. The cricketing community will keenly observe how Bahutule’s interim stint influences the team’s performance against a challenging Sri Lankan side.
This interim coaching phase will also serve as a test for Bahutule, presenting him with an opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Depending on how events unfold both on and off the pitch, the BCCI may consider more long-term decisions regarding the coaching staff.
As the Indian team gears up for this challenging series in Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on the effectiveness of the new coaching setup. The blend of seasoned experience in Bahutule, combined with fresh perspectives from Gambhir, Nayar, and ten Doeschate, promises to make this an intriguing series. The cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits to see how this newly formed squad will navigate the spin-friendly terrains of Sri Lanka, aiming for a successful stint in the island nation.