Sri Lanka Appoints Vikram Rathour as Batting Coach Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Former India batting coach joins on consultancy basis to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparations for the global tournament
Colombo: Stepping up preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Vikram Rathour as the national team’s batting coach. His tenure will begin on February 7.
Rathour previously served as India’s batting coach from 2019 to 2024, a period during which the Indian team enjoyed strong performances in ICC tournaments, including their T20 World Cup triumph in 2024. After concluding his stint with the Indian team, Rathour joined the Rajasthan Royals as a batting and assistant coach.
In an official release, Sri Lanka Cricket said, “He has been appointed on a consultancy basis, with the primary focus on preparing the team for the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026. Rathour, a former Indian international who represented the country in Tests and ODIs, will assume duties on January 18 and will remain with the team until March 10.”
Sri Lanka are currently facing Pakistan in a three-match T20 series ahead of the World Cup and will be keen to make maximum use of Rathour’s experience as they prepare to co-host the global event.
As part of their broader build-up for the tournament, Sri Lanka Cricket has also appointed legendary pacer Lasith Malinga as a fast-bowling consultant for a 40-day period, from December 15 to January 25.
Malinga has previously served as a fast-bowling consultant on two official occasions and has also been providing informal guidance to top bowlers in recent years. For the past two years, he has been advising the coaching staff led by Sanath Jayasuriya.
Sri Lanka have been placed in Group B alongside Australia, Oman, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. The 2014 champions will begin their campaign against Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.
