Sri Lanka Appoints Vikram Rathour as Batting Coach Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the appointment of former India cricketer Vikram Rathour as the batting coach on a consultancy basis ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February to March in India and Sri Lanka, with Sri Lanka placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Zimbabwe, Australia, and Oman. Rathour’s appointment spans from January 18 to March 10, primarily focusing on preparing the team for the showpiece event.
Background of Vikram Rathour:
Vikram Rathour is a former Indian opening batsman with extensive international and domestic experience. He represented India in 18 Test matches and 9 ODIs between 1996 and 2000, accumulating over 1,000 runs in Test cricket. Following his playing career, Rathour transitioned into coaching and talent development. He served as India’s men’s batting coach from September 2019 to July 2024, overseeing several significant victories in international cricket. Additionally, he is currently the lead assistant coach for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing valuable expertise in limited-overs cricket.
Role and Responsibilities:
Vikram Rathour role with the Sri Lankan team is focused specifically on the T20 World Cup. As a consultant, he will work closely with Sri Lanka’s batsmen to refine technique, enhance shot selection, and develop strategies for different match scenarios. His responsibilities include assessing player strengths and weaknesses, designing tailored training sessions, and mentoring younger batsmen who are being groomed for international cricket.
SLC emphasized that Rathour’s involvement is temporary but strategically vital, aiming to leverage his experience to maximize the team’s performance in the high-stakes tournament. He will coordinate with the existing coaching staff to ensure continuity and consistency in batting approaches across all players.
Strategic Importance:
Sri Lanka’s decision to bring in Vikram Rathour highlights their intent to strengthen the team’s batting unit, which has faced challenges in recent T20 competitions. The World Cup requires adaptability, composure under pressure, and explosive scoring abilities—areas where Rathour’s coaching philosophy is expected to make a significant impact. His familiarity with international cricket dynamics and T20-specific strategies will help prepare players for challenging encounters against top-ranked opponents like Australia.
Collaboration with Other Coaches:
Rathour joins a temporary coaching setup that includes R Sridhar as fielding coach, another former member of India’s support staff. This collaborative approach is designed to ensure that all facets of the team’s performance—batting, fielding, and strategy—are cohesively integrated. By drawing on the experience of multiple Indian coaches, Sri Lanka aims to create a high-performance environment, particularly crucial for World Cup preparation.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup Campaign:
Placed in Group B, Sri Lanka will face Ireland in their opening match in Colombo on February 8. The team also competes against Zimbabwe, Australia, and Oman, making every game critical for progression to the Super 12 stage. With limited time for preparation, the presence of an experienced batting coach like Rathour is expected to provide a competitive edge. His guidance will be essential in fine-tuning techniques for different pitch conditions across venues in India and Sri Lanka.
Focus on Young Talent:
Vikram Rathour’s consultancy also emphasizes mentoring young players who are being integrated into the national setup. By providing individualized feedback and performance analysis, he aims to accelerate the development of emerging batsmen. This approach aligns with Sri Lanka’s long-term vision of creating a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of competing at the highest level.
Preparation and Training Camps:
Sri Lanka’s preparation includes intensive training camps starting mid-January. Rathour will oversee batting drills, match simulations, and scenario-based practices to enhance decision-making under pressure. His experience in IPL coaching, where players often face high-pressure situations, will be instrumental in preparing the Sri Lankan squad for similar challenges in the T20 World Cup.
Impact on Team Morale:
The inclusion of Vikram Rathour is expected to boost player confidence and morale. His international playing experience, combined with modern coaching methods, offers players access to techniques and strategies used by top-performing teams. Veterans and newcomers alike can benefit from his insights, leading to improved cohesion and consistency in the batting lineup.
Previous Successes:
Rathour’s tenure as India’s batting coach saw the development of several young Indian batsmen who emerged as key performers in international T20s. His methods emphasized technical soundness, mental toughness, and adaptability—qualities Sri Lanka seeks to instill in their squad ahead of the World Cup. The hope is that his approach will translate into tangible results, particularly against high-caliber opposition.
Sri Lanka’s Expectations:
With the World Cup approaching, Sri Lanka is focused on achieving competitive results and progressing deep into the tournament. The temporary consultancy of Vikram Rathour reflects the board’s commitment to excellence, ensuring that players are equipped with the skills, strategies, and mental preparation necessary for success. By combining Rathour’s expertise with local knowledge and coaching staff experience, Sri Lanka aims to create a high-performance team capable of challenging the world’s best.
Conclusion:
Vikram Rathour’s appointment as batting coach on a consultancy basis marks a strategic step for Sri Lanka as they gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His wealth of international experience, T20 expertise, and coaching credentials is expected to enhance the team’s preparation, boost player confidence, and refine the batting approach. As the tournament draws near, Rathour’s guidance could be a decisive factor in Sri Lanka’s performance, making him an essential component of the squad’s quest for World Cup success.
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