What's Happening?
Vikram Rathour, a former India opening batter and the team's previous batting coach, has been appointed as the consultant batting coach for the Sri Lanka men's national cricket team. This appointment is specifically aimed at preparing the team for the ICC Men's T20I World Cup 2026. Rathour will join the Sri Lankan squad on January 18, just before their white-ball series against England, and will remain with the team until March 10. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, concludes on March 8. This move is part of a series of changes within the Sri Lankan team, including the retention of Lasith Malinga as a consultant bowling coach and the appointment of R Sridhar as the fielding coach. Additionally, Dasun Shanaka has been named
the T20I captain, replacing Charith Asalanka, and Pramodya Wickramasinghe has taken over as the head of the men's selection committee.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Vikram Rathour as a consultant batting coach is significant for Sri Lanka as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Rathour's experience as a former player and coach for India, as well as his recent roles with the Rajasthan Royals and the New Zealand Test team, brings a wealth of knowledge to the Sri Lankan side. His involvement is expected to enhance the team's batting performance, which is crucial for their success in the World Cup. The strategic changes in the coaching staff and team leadership reflect Sri Lanka's commitment to strengthening their squad and improving their international standing. This could potentially lead to better performances in the World Cup, impacting the team's future in international cricket.
What's Next?
As Rathour joins the Sri Lankan team, his immediate focus will be on preparing the players for the white-ball series against England and the subsequent T20 World Cup. The team's performance in these matches will be closely watched, as it will indicate the effectiveness of the recent coaching and leadership changes. The World Cup will serve as a critical test for Rathour and the revamped coaching staff, as they aim to guide Sri Lanka to a strong showing in the tournament. The outcomes of these events could influence future decisions regarding the team's coaching and player selection strategies.
