Sri Lanka are preparing to strengthen their coaching team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by reportedly looking to rope in former India opener Vikram Rathour as the batting coach.
Rathour, who served as India’s batting coach from 2022 to 2024, is currently the assistant coach of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
If confirmed, Rathour will become the second Indian coach in Sri Lanka’s support staff.
In December, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) named former India fielding coach R. Sridhar as the men’s team fielding coach until the end of the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Sridhar, who was part of India’s coaching setup from 2014 to 2021, had earlier conducted a 10-day fielding camp for Sri Lankan
cricketers across various levels in May last year.
Sri Lanka recently named their preliminary T20 World Cup squad with Dasun Shanaka as captain. The former champions are in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman.
They will kick-start their World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 8.
Sri Lanka’s preliminary squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew
Sri Lanka’s Group Stage Fixtures
- February 8: vs Ireland in Colombo
- February 12: vs Oman in Pallekele
- February 16: vs Australia in Pallekele
- February 19: vs Zimbabwe in Colombo
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka began their three-match T20I series against Pakistan at home with a defeat on Wednesday. Sri Lanka were skittled for 128 in 19.2 overs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium before Pakistan chased down the target in 16.4 overs for a six-wicket win and a 1-0 lead.
The second match will be played on January 9 at the same venue.
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