Sri Lanka Cricket Appoint Vikram Rathour As Batting Coach Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket strengthened its T20 World Cup 2026 preparations by appointing former India batting coach Vikram Rathour to its support staff.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) took a major step towards bolstering its preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 by appointing former India batting coach Vikram Rathour as the national team’s new batting coach. Sri Lanka, who will co-host the marquee tournament, are aiming to win the T20 World Cup for the second time, having last lifted the trophy in 2014.

Rathour brings rich international experience, having previously served as India’s batting coach under Rahul Dravid. He was part of the support staff that helped India win the T20 World Cup in 2024. Rathour is set to join the Sri Lankan setup from January 15, with the team already beginning its structured build-up for the global event.

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As part of their preparations, Sri Lanka have named an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, which begins on January 7. Charith Asalanka has returned to the T20I squad, while Dasun Shanaka will lead the side in the series. Asalanka has been relieved of captaincy duties to reduce pressure and allow him to focus fully on his batting.

The Pakistan series is expected to play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s World Cup planning, offering vital match practice ahead of the tournament. As co-hosts, Sri Lanka will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Ireland on February 8, followed by group-stage matches against Oman, Australia, and Zimbabwe.

Rathour was first appointed as India’s batting coach in 2019, with his contract later extended until 2024. During his tenure, India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. After stepping away from the national role in 2024, he served as batting coach and assistant coach for Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2025 season.