Herath and Rathour join BLACKCAPS in Noida

Starting Monday, former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined the New Zealand coaching staff for the single Test match against Afghanistan at the Greater Noida Sports Complex in India. Rangana Herath, the former Sri Lankan spinner, will also join the Kiwi team as the spin bowling coach through the Sri Lanka series.

Vikram Rathour became a national selector for India in 2012. He played six Tests for India in the late 1990s. Under former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, Rathour led a formidable Indian batting unit and played a unique role in India's victory at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

For the upcoming three Tests in Asia, New Zealand Cricket has appointed former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath as the spin bowling coach. Until now, Saqlain Mushtaq had been serving as the temporary spin coach for the Kiwis. Herath will join the New Zealand coaching staff for the three-Test series, including two matches in Sri Lanka later this month.

New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead said that Herath and Rathour will bring not only new knowledge to the team but also insights into local conditions. "We are really excited to have Rangana and Vikram in our Test squad," he said.

Gary Stead added, "Both are highly respected in the cricketing world, and I know our players are eagerly looking forward to learning from them."

"For our three left-arm orthodox spinners, particularly Ajaz, Mitch, and Rachin, having the opportunity to work with Rangana over three Tests in the subcontinent will be extremely beneficial."

He further noted, "Rangana has taken over 100 Test wickets at Sri Lanka's Galle Stadium, which will be one of our venues against Sri Lanka. His knowledge of that venue will be invaluable to us."