Former India batting coach gets opportunity with New Zealand
In a boost to their preparation for the upcoming Test match against Afghanistan, New Zealand has brought on board former India batting coach Vikram Rathour for a temporary role. Rathour will work with the Blackcaps lineup as their batting coach for the one-off Test starting next week at Greater Noida Sports Complex.
Rathour has rich experience of analyzing batting techniques and strategies, having played 6 Tests for India back in the late 1990s. After his playing career, he served as a national selector and most recently worked closely with the Indian team – including their historic T20 World Cup victory in 2024 – as their batting mentor under head coaches Rahul Dravid.
In other coaching changes, Afghanistan has hired former India fielding coach R.Sridhar to assist their team for upcoming series. Sri Lanka legend Rangana Herath will also join the New Zealand support staff as spin bowling coach for their 3 Tests in Asia, replacing Saqlain Mushtaq.
Herath, who took over 100 Test wickets at Galle, will be with the Kiwis for theirmatches in Sri Lanka this month as well, providing invaluable local expertise and knowledge of the conditions.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead stated that Rathour and Herath will not only provide fresh tactical insight but also brief the players on subcontinent challenges. He noted the left-arm spinners will particularly benefit from learning directly from a stalwart like Herath during their time in the subcontinent.
