IPL 2018: Rajasthan Royals appoint Sairaj Bahutule as spin bowling coach

Former India spinner Sairaj Bahutule was on Tuesday named as the spin bowling coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals, who are making a comeback to the league after serving a two-year ban.

Bahutule played 188 first class games for Mumbai and picked up 630 wickets at an average of 26 apart from scoring 6,176 runs with nine centuries at an average of 31.83.

Bahutule, who bowled leg-spin and batted left-handed, also played two Test matches and picked up three wickets for India. He also represented the country in eight One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

Bahutule has been the coach of Bengal Ranji side for three years now. The franchise took to Twitter make the announcement public.

Commenting on his new role, the 45-year-old said, "It is a privilege to be part of Rajasthan Royals coaching staff. I am excited to be part of team that has legendary Shane Warne as mentor. I am looking forward to work with the players and share my knowledge, guide them through as we prepare for the gruelling season."

A big welcome to Sairaj Bahutule, Spin-bowling coach, Rajasthan Royals. 💥

A seasoned Indian all rounder and a highly accomplished Ranji coach!

The Royals Family is immensely proud to have him as a part of the squad! ⚡️https://t.co/a9vNhUCiIe#HallaBol #Cricket #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/5llGutqRXI

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 27, 2018

Rajasthan Royals had appointed Shane Warne as team's mentor and Australia batsman Steve Smith as the skipper.