Vikram Rathour appointed as New Zealand’s batting coach for one-off Test against Afghanan | Cricket News

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined New Zealand coaching staff for their one-off Test match against Afghanan, which will start from Monday at the Greater Noida Sports Complex.
Rathour played six Tests for India in the late 90s before becoming a selector of the national side in 2012 and most recently led the formidable Indian batting unit under head coach Rahul Dravid and helped India won the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
Earlier, The Afghanan Cricket Board (ACB) has roped in R Sridhar as assant coach for Afghanan’s upcoming series against New Zealand and South Africa. Sridhar had served as India’s fielding coach from 2014-21, working as a part of Ravi Shastri’s support staff.
The Blackcaps have also appointed former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath as spin-bowling coach for the three upcoming Tests in Asia, replacing former Pakan spinner and coach Saqlain Mushtaq who was originally announced to fill the temporary role before pulling out to take up a position with the Pakan Cricket Board.
Herath will be with the New Zealand’s coaching staffs for three Tests including two matches in his homeland of Sri Lanka later this month.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Herath and Rathore would not only bring new knowledge to the group but also insights into the local conditions.
We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group,” he said.
“Both men are held in high regard in the world of cricket and I know our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them.
“For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz, Mitch and Rachin, having the chance to work with Rangana across three Tests on the sub-continent will be hugely beneficial.
“Rangana has taken over 100 Test wickets in Galle which is the venue of our two Tests against Sri Lanka and so his knowledge of that venue will be priceless.”