In a significant move ahead of India’s six-match white-ball series in Sri Lanka, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Sairaj Bahutule as the interim bowling coach. The temporary appointment comes as Morne Morkel, the designated bowling coach for the Indian Men’s team, is currently unable to join the squad due to personal reasons.
Morkel, the former South African pacer who now resides in Sydney, has had to travel to Pretoria to be with his ailing father. While his permanent role as bowling coach appears to be on track, he will likely miss the Sri Lanka series. Inside sources suggest that Morkel might join the squad for the home series against Bangladesh scheduled for September-October, which includes two Tests and three T20Is. “The Morkel deal is not final; talks are still ongoing. He may join later,” a source close to the discussions revealed.
Sairaj Bahutule brings a wealth of experience to the team. The 51-year-old former leg spinner had a notable international career, representing India in two Tests and eight One Day Internationals (ODIs) from 1997-2003. His inclusion appears to be a strategic decision by the BCCI, particularly given the spin-friendly conditions likely to be encountered in Sri Lanka. Bahutule is currently associated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, which aligns well with the existing structures and supports seamless integration into the team.
Bahutule will be part of a coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir, whose appointment as the new national coach will be officially announced by the BCCI on the morning of the team’s departure. Gambhir, a seasoned cricketer and former Indian opener, heads a staff that includes Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, and T Dilip, who continues his tenure as the fielding coach. The entire coaching team is set to leave for Sri Lanka with the players on Monday afternoon, ensuring they are well-prepared for the series that runs from July 27 to August 7.
The selection of Bahutule over other potential candidates, such as Troy Cooley, also associated with the NCA, suggests considerable thought went into the decision.
. Cooley, known for his expertise in pace bowling, might have been a viable option. However, given the subcontinent pitches that often favor spin, Bahutule’s appointment as interim coach appears to be a shrewd and calculated move. Both the T20I and ODI squads selected for the series feature three spinners each, underscoring the strategic emphasis on spin bowling.
Moreover, Ryan ten Doeschate’s involvement with the Indian contingent indicates the team’s desire to bring in fresh perspectives. Ten Doeschate has been with the LA Knight Riders side in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States and is expected to add significant value. He is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai to join the squad before they leave for Sri Lanka. His experience in diverse playing conditions could provide invaluable insights during the series.
Ahead of their departure, Gambhir will address the media, shedding light on his vision for the team and the strategic importance of the coaching appointments. The forthcoming series against Sri Lanka includes three T20 Internationals followed by three One Day Internationals, providing a robust platform for the new coaching team to work with the players and implement their strategies.
This interim appointment is not just a temporary fix but rather a thoughtful strategy to adapt to immediate requirements while still keeping long-term goals in sight. The decision reflects the BCCI’s ability to respond to unexpected situations while staying focused on the overarching objectives.
In summary, as the Indian team heads to Sri Lanka, the BCCI has instilled a blend of experience and new insights within the coaching team. Sairaj Bahutule’s appointment as interim bowling coach, coupled with the continuity of key personnel and the introduction of fresh perspectives, sets the stage for an intriguing and competitive series. The cricket fraternity will watch closely as these strategic decisions unfold on the field.