New Zealand rope in Rangana Herath, Vikram Rathour as short-term coaches

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour will guide New Zealand during the one-off Aghanistan test.

Former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath and former India batting coach Vikram Rathour will be part of the New Zealand coaching staff for their tour of Asia.

On Friday, 6th September, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced appointments of the duo. Herath will be part of New Zealand’s coaching staff for the one-off test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, India and as well as the two-match test series in Sri Lanka. However, Vikram Rathour has joined the side as batting consultant for the one-off test against Afghanistan, which will be played on Indian soil.

Herath, during his playing career, picked 433 wickets in tests, which is second-most for any Sri Lankan bowler, following Muttiah Muralitharan. His experience on bowling in Asian conditions with help the Kiwi side on their tour of Asia. Meanwhile, Rathour, who played six tests for India during his playing days, served as Indian Cricket Team’s batting coach from 2019 to 2024.

Players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them: Gary Stead

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said that players are excited to learn things from Herath and Rathour. Stead stressed that the trio of left-arm spinners in his squad would have a great chance to learn from Herath, which will help them during the subcontinent tour.

“Both men are held in high regard in the world of cricket and I know our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said.

“For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz [Patel], Mitch [Santner] and Rachin [Ravindra], having the chance to work with Rangana across three Tests on the subcontinent will be hugely beneficial. angana has taken over 100 Test wickets in Galle which is the venue of our two Tests against Sri Lanka and so his knowledge of that venue will be priceless,” Gary stead added.

After the conclusion of Afghanistan tests, the Kiwis will travel Sri Lanka for a two-match test series. The opening fixture will start on September 18, whereas the second match will be played from September 26.

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