The New Zealand cricket team has added former India batting coach Vikram Rathour to its support staff for the forthcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, which is scheduled in Noida.
This hiring is a calculated strategic move by New Zealand to add seasoned specialists to their coaching staff in preparation for the demanding subcontinental climate.
Rathour, who represented India in six Test matches in the 1990s and became a national selector, is a treasure trove of experience and skill, especially when negotiating subcontinental grounds.
In his most recent coaching position, Rathour was a member of the Rahul Dravid-led Indian coaching team.
His time there they ended after India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign. His familiarity with subcontinental circumstances and in-depth knowledge of batting approaches make him an invaluable asset for New Zealand, particularly as they prepare for this critical Test against Afghanistan.
Rathour’s views will benefit New Zealand players trying to modify their style of play to accommodate the unique difficulties presented by pitches that are favorable to spin.
A significant addition to New Zealand’s coaching team for this Test is the excellent Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath, who will take up the role of coach for spin bowling in addition to Rathour.
In addition to leading the team in the Afghanistan Test, Herath will also be in charge of New Zealand’s next two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
This appointment is significant for their spin attack because New Zealand is getting ready for games where spin is the predominant factor.
Known for being the most successful left-arm spinner in Test history, Herath takes over the position that Saqlain Mushtaq was initially assigned.
Mushtaq, who had been expected to assume the spin coach role temporarily for New Zealand, resigned after receiving a job offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Herath’s knowledge is expected to be crucial, particularly in well-known subcontinental sites like Galle, where New Zealand will play Sri Lanka.
Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra, the three left-arm orthodox spinners from New Zealand, will particularly benefit from his experience.
Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, expressed his excitement about the new support staff members.
“We’re excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group,” Stead stated. He emphasized the respect that Rathour and Herath both hold in the international cricket community and the chances for learning that they provide the New Zealand team.
Stead insisted on the significance of Herath’s participation in the team’s spin bowlers, pointing out that the next Sri Lanka series may depend heavily on his extensive familiarity with locations such as Galle.
September 9 is the commencement date for New Zealand’s one-off Test match against Afghanistan.
The two-Test series against Sri Lanka will commence on September 18 and September 30, respectively.
New Zealand is now ranked third in the World Test Championship, including both Test matches.
For New Zealand, this stage of the competition will be crucial as they try to maintain their top spot in the standings and modify their style of play to suit the subcontinental playing environment.
