Boost for Sri Lanka: Former India Batting Coach Vikram Rathour Set to Join Before T20 World Cup
By Lions Roar News Sports Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (January 8, 2026) — Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is reportedly set to bolster its coaching staff ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup by recruiting high-profile expertise from across the Palk Strait. Former Indian international and seasoned coach Vikram Rathour is expected to join the national squad as the new Batting Coach.
The appointment is seen as a strategic move to sharpen the Lions’ top-order performance following a series of inconsistent batting displays in the shortest format of the game.
🏏 A Proven Pedigree: Who is Vikram Rathour?
Rathour brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of international cricket, having been a core part of the Indian team’s backroom staff during their most successful recent era.
- India Stint: He served as the Batting Coach for the Indian National Team until 2024, working closely with superstars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
- IPL Experience: Currently, he serves as the Assistant Coach for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has gained a reputation for modernizing T20 batting approaches.
- The Timeline: Reports suggest Rathour will officially join the Sri Lankan camp on January 15, 2026, giving him significant time to integrate with the team before the World Cup campaign begins.
📈 Strategic Importance for the Lions
Sri Lanka’s batting has often struggled against high-quality pace and varied spin in T20Is. Rathour’s expertise in technical refinement and strike-rate management is expected to be a major asset.
- Focus Areas: He is expected to work on improving middle-over strike rotation and power-hitting during the death overs.
- Transitioning Talent: With several young batters like Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka showing promise, Rathour’s role will be pivotal in transitioning them into consistent match-winners.
