Sairaj Bahutule appointed Kerala coach

Sairaj Bahutule, the former India legspinner, has been appointed as the coach of the Kerala Ranji team for the upcoming season. The state cricket association also roped in Tinu Yohannan, the first Kerala cricketer to play for India, as bowling coach.

Bahutule, who featured in two Tests and eight ODIs for India, retired from first-class cricket in 2013 after a fruitful 22-year career during most of which he was an integral part of Mumbai's bowling attack and the saw the team win six Ranji finals. Later in his career, he also played for Maharashtra, Assam, Andhra and Vidarbha before calling quits on his career a few days before his 40th birthday. He picked 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches.

Bahutule coached the Vidarbha side during the limited-overs tournament last year immediately after his retirement.

Kerala finished fifth in Group C of the Ranji Trophy in the 2013-14 season.