Gautam Gambhir impressed, holds talks as IPL coaching staff member gets green light to join Team India: Report

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Bahutule is believed to command immense respect in coaching circles and, with the Indian team losing home Test series to New Zealand and South Africa, the addition of a specialist bowling coach would not only help improve spinners' performances but also address India’s batting woes on turning pitches. The Indian team management under Gambhir currently includes Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach, Morne Morkel as bowling coach, T Dilip as fielding coach and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coach.

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Gambhir himself can relate to leaving an IPL franchise for national duty – he had just led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024 when he signed up for the Indian team. Of course, much of Bahutule’s release may depend on the nature of his contract with Punjab Kings. Nevertheless, it appears to be only a matter of time before the deal is sealed. Bahutule has previously travelled with India’s junior teams when VVS Laxman was in charge and has also been part of the senior India setup on a few occasions, with Rahul Dravid specifically requesting his presence during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

With India already in a precarious position in the World Test Championship final race, a tough tour of Sri Lanka awaits in September. Spin bowlers traditionally dominate opposition teams there, and with the hosts possessing a strong spin attack, India will need a much-improved batting performance from their young side to emerge victorious.

Besides, India's spinners haven't put up a great show either. They took 38 wickets against New Zealand and 21 versus South Africa, but were outshone by their counterparts.

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