Vikram Rathour, the former batting coach of the Indian team, joined the New Zealand team to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test match starting September 9. Rathour was initially part of the Indian coaching staff under head coach Rahul Dravid and had an instrumental role in India’s victory at the T20 World Cup in the West Indies.
Following that victory, Rathour’s contract with the BCCI closed, and he decided not to reapply for the post. His inclusion in the New Zealand coaching set-up brings much-needed experience, especially for their upcoming subcontinental test. The other major inclusion is the naming of former Sri Lanka cricketer Rangana Herath as the spin-bowling coach for the entire subcontinental tour of New Zealand. The tour consists of three Tests against India and two against Sri Lanka.
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The same post was first offered to the former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq; he declined the offer, citing that he had already taken up a role with the PCB. Herath, who has an enviable record in the subcontinent, more so in India, where he played five Tests, is expected to bring in a lot of worth with his expertise.
New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead welcomed both Rathour and Herath into the team and spoke highly of their value. He underlined that their local experience and knowledge would prove instrumental in helping players cope with some of the tough conditions in the subcontinent.
“We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group. Both men are highly respected in the cricketing world and our players are looking forward to tapping into their knowledge, said Stead in a statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He was especially enthusiastic about the prospect of Herath working closely with New Zealand’s left-arm orthodox spinners Ajaz Patel, Mitch Santner and Rachin Ravindra, particularly in Galle, where Herath has bagged more than 100 test wickets.
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The Tim Southee-led New Zealand squad arrived in India on September 5 with key players Kane Williamson and Devon Conway, who opted out of New Zealand’s central contracts, ultimately joining the tour. New Zealand’s marquee series against India is set to get underway from October 16.
