Positive Move: Vikram Rathour Appointed Sri Lanka Batting Coach Before T20 World Cup 2026
Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has been appointed as the batting coach of the Sri Lanka men’s cricket team, marking a significant shake-up in Sri Lanka Cricket’s support staff ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The short-term appointment was officially confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on January 8.
Strategic Appointment at a Critical Juncture
Sri Lanka Cricket’s decision to bring in Rathour underlines a sense of urgency as the island nation looks to sharpen its batting unit ahead of two major challenges: a high-profile home series against England and a demanding T20 World Cup campaign.
Rathour’s mandate is expected to focus on:
Improving batting consistency in white-ball cricket
Enhancing middle-order stability
Strengthening shot selection under pressure
Preparing batters for high-quality pace and spin
With Sri Lanka often showing flashes of brilliance but struggling for consistency, particularly against top-tier teams, Rathour’s international experience is seen as a valuable asset.
Part of a Wider Coaching Overhaul
Rathour’s appointment is the second major coaching addition made by SLC in the past month. Earlier, Sri Lanka signed R Sridhar as fielding coach, another former member of India’s support staff.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga has been retained as a consultant bowling coach. However, his tenure is set to conclude before the start of the T20 World Cup, suggesting that the current arrangements are primarily focused on preparation rather than tournament continuity.
Leadership Structure Remains Intact
Despite the changes to the support staff, the head coach position remains with Sanath Jayasuriya, who continues to oversee the team’s long-term direction.
On the leadership front, Sri Lanka have also made a significant call by reinstating Dasun Shanaka as captain. Shanaka returns to the role after Charith Asalanka was removed from captaincy following a prolonged dip in batting form.
Fastest fifties in Vijay Hazare Trophy history
| Rank | Batter | Balls Taken | Team | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarfaraz Khan | 15 | Mumbai | Punjab | VHT 2025-26 (fastest fifty ever in Vijay Hazare Trophy) |
| 2 | Atit Sheth | 16 | Baroda | Chhattisgarh | VHT 2020-21 |
| 3 | Suyash Prabhudessai | 17 | Goa | Odisha | VHT 2024-25 |
| 4 | Abhimanyu Rajput | 18 | Baroda | Nagaland | VHT 2023-24 |
| 4 | Angkrish Raghuvanshi | 18 | Mumbai | Arunachal Pradesh | VHT 2024-25 |
Rathour’s Coaching Pedigree
Rathour brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level. He served as India’s batting coach for five years, a period during which India consistently ranked among the world’s strongest batting sides across formats.
During his tenure with India:
Several young batters successfully transitioned to international cricket
India maintained dominance in bilateral white-ball series
The team adapted effectively to different conditions worldwide
After his contract with the Indian team ended, Rathour joined Rajasthan Royals in 2024, further strengthening his credentials in T20 cricket. He also had a brief short-term stint with the New Zealand Test side later in 2024, underlining his growing reputation as a sought-after batting consultant.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup Roadmap
Sri Lanka will compete in Group B of the T20 World Cup, alongside Ireland, Zimbabwe, Australia, and Oman.
The 2014 T20 World Cup winners will begin their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 8, a fixture that could set the tone for their tournament. With matches at home venues, expectations will be high for Sri Lanka to make a deep run.
Why This Appointment Matters
Short-term appointments are often viewed as stop-gap measures, but in this case, the timing is crucial. Rathour’s involvement bridges the preparation phase and the tournament itself, allowing for continuity in batting philosophy and execution.
More importantly, his calm, analytical approach aligns well with Sri Lanka’s need to convert starts into match-winning contributions—a recurring issue in recent white-ball campaigns.
Conclusion
Vikram Rathour’s appointment as Sri Lanka’s batting coach represents a bold and calculated move by Sri Lanka Cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Coupled with the additions of R Sridhar and the retention of experienced leadership, the changes reflect a clear intent to modernise and strengthen the team’s support structure.
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