Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the appointment of Vikram Rathour, the former batting coach of the Indian men’s national team, as the Batting Coach of the Sri Lanka national side on a consultancy basis. His short-term role will focus primarily on preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Rathour joins Sri Lanka on short-term consultancy
Rathour’s tenure will begin on 18 January 2026 and run through to 10 March 2026, allowing him to work closely with Sri Lanka’s T20 squad in the final lead-up to the World Cup. His appointment reflects a targeted effort by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to bolster its batting department ahead of the marquee event.
A former India international who represented the country in both Test and One-Day Internationals, Rathour brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role. He served as India’s Batting Coach across all formats from September 2019 to July 2024, playing a key part in the development of India’s top-order depth during that period.
High-level coaching credentials and IPL experience
Rathour holds several top-tier coaching certifications:
- BCCI Level 3
- Cricket Australia Level 3
- England & Wales Cricket Board Level 1
In addition to his national team experience, he is currently part of the Indian Premier League’s Rajasthan Royals setup, serving as the Lead Assistant Coach. His IPL exposure gives him insight into the T20 format at the highest level, a valuable asset as Sri Lanka prepares for the fast-paced demands of the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka intensifies World Cup preparation
Sri Lanka’s move to bring in a high-profile batting consultant highlights the board’s focus on strategic enhancements before the T20 World Cup. With Rathour’s proven track record in international cricket and deep understanding of batting technique, his input is expected to refine the approach of Sri Lanka’s top and middle order.
The appointment also signals the growing trend of cross-border coaching engagements, as Full Member boards seek specialized input in the lead-up to global ICC events.
