Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour appointed as Sri Lanka batting coach ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has been appointed as the batting coach of the Sri Lankan national team. The announcement, confirmed by Sri Lankan journalist Rex Clementine, comes ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Rathour previously served as India’s batting coach during Rahul Dravid’s tenure and was part of the support staff that guided the Men in Blue to their T20 World Cup victory in 2024. With extensive international experience, he brings valuable expertise to the Sri Lankan team.

According to reports, Rathour is expected to join Sri Lanka by January 15, at a crucial time as the team ramps up preparations for the tournament.

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The team recently announced an 18-member squad for a three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting January 7. Sri Lanka have also confirmed the return of former captain Charith Asalanka to the T20 squad ahead of the World Cup. However, he will feature solely as a specialist batter.

When Dasun Shanaka was appointed T20I captain for the tri-series in Pakistan, it was decided that Asalanka would be relieved of captaincy duties to reduce pressure and focus on his batting form.

This series is part of Sri Lanka’s preparation plan to give players valuable match practice ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. As co-hosts, Sri Lanka will begin their campaign against Ireland on February 8, followed by matches against Oman, Australia, and Zimbabwe.

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Vikram Rathour's Coaching Journey

Vikram Rathour has had an impressive coaching career. He was first appointed India’s batting coach in 2019, and his contract was extended in 2024. During his tenure, India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and won the 2024 T20 World Cup.

After leaving the Indian team setup in 2024, Rathour joined Rajasthan Royals as batting coach and assistant coach for the IPL 2025 season. As a player, the 56-year-old represented India as a top-order batter in six Tests and seven ODIs between 1996 and 1997.

Lasith Malinga Returns to Sri Lanka Support Staff

Apart from Rathour, Sri Lanka has also welcomed back legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga as a fast bowling consultant on a short-term basis. The Sri Lankan board announced on December 30 that Malinga will serve in this role for 40 days, effective from December 15.

With legends like Sanath Jayasuriya already serving as head coach, Sri Lanka’s coaching staff now has a strong mix of experience and cricketing knowledge.

Role in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup Preparation

Rathour is expected to join the Sri Lankan team by January 15. The board has already announced its preliminary squad, which will play a three-match T20I series against Pakistan starting January 7. This series forms a key part of their final preparations for the World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s Preliminary T20 World Cup Squad

Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew