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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Sri Lanka are set to bring in former India batter Vikram Rathour as the national team’s batting coach in the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Rathour, who served as India’s batting coach until 2024, is currently the assistant coach of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. He is… pic.twitter.com/2hnLMx8jbu

— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) January 7, 2026

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

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is facing an unprecedented crisis as India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan have united in opposition to the upcoming ACC Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for July 24–25 in Dhaka. This united front, led by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is a direct challenge to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its president Mohsin Naqvi, who currently chairs the ACC.

India has demanded a change in venue, citing recent diplomatic tensions, particularly with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The BCCI has made it clear that it will not attend the AGM if it is held in Dhaka, and now has the backing of two other key Test-playing members, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. This has put the legitimacy of the meeting in serious doubt.

As per the ACC constitution, a valid quorum requires the presence of at least three of the five permanent Test-playing members (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan). With three of them refusing to travel to Dhaka, the AGM may not meet quorum requirements. The situation is further complicated by uncertainty around the participation of several full and associate member nations, including Oman, Nepal, and Malaysia.

Sources say Mohsin Naqvi even skipped the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore to visit Kabul in an effort to win over Afghanistan’s support. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has reportedly confirmed alignment with India’s position and will not attend the Dhaka meeting.

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Asia Cup at Risk as ACC Power Struggle Exposes Deepening Geopolitical Rift in Asian Cricket

There is a growing recognition within the Bangladesh Cricket Board of Control (BCB) that we have reached a geopolitical issue. Acting president Aminul Islam is under pressure for his decision to agree to hold the AGM without fully appreciating the consequences. Aminul, despite pending pushback from within the BCB, has declined to back away from hosting the AGM, citing his responsibility to Naqvi.

The BCB’s impasse has potentially larger ramifications, especially considering the Asia Cup in the UAE in September. If the AGM proceeds, we are being told that the ACC meeting could move forward without a legal quorum. This means that any decision taken at the ACC meeting could be invalidated. To add further complication, we are hearing about rumours from India, suggesting that the Indian cricket administration may boycott the Asia Cup if its concerns are not effectively appeased. This creates uncertainty about the commercial viability of the Asia Cup, as well as its legitimacy as a sporting competition. So the conclusion of this sorry saga means that cricket fans and administrators will need to endure a critical few days that could change Asia cricket's immediate future.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, hosted jointly by the United States and the West Indies, will kick off on June 2, 2024. This year’s tournament is highly anticipated, and Sri Lanka is one of the prominent teams expected to make a significant impact. With the Sri Lankan cricket board announcing a strong 15-member squad led by Wanindu Hasaranga, fans are eager to see how the team performs.

Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup Journey

Sri Lanka has a rich history in international cricket and a respectable winning percentage of 55% in T20 Internationals. Despite recent challenges, the team is working hard to fine-tune their line-up, promising thrilling games. Sri Lanka is grouped in Group D alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, and South Africa. Their campaign begins against South Africa on June 3 in New York, followed by games against Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands.

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Sri Lanka’s preparation for the T20 World Cup has been thorough, including practice matches and strategic sessions. The team has been addressing past inconsistencies and building a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.

SWOT analysis of the Sri Lanka squad for 2024 T20 World Cup

Strengths

The Sri Lankan squad boasts seasoned players like Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews, who bring invaluable experience to the team. Their knowledge and leadership on and off the field are crucial for guiding younger players through the tournament’s pressures.

Having Wanindu Hasaranga as both captain and an all-rounder significantly strengthens the team. His versatility in batting and bowling provides a crucial balance that can turn games in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Young talents such as Pathum Nissanka and Matheesha Pathirana inject fresh energy and dynamism into the squad. These players bring new strategies and perspectives, enhancing the team’s performance.

Sri Lanka’s batting line-up is robust and predictable, featuring Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Angelo Mathews. This consistency in the batting order helps in building strong innings. The spin attack, led by Mahesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, is a significant asset. Hasaranga, as the captain, can also move up the order when needed, providing flexibility and depth to the team’s strategy.

Weaknesses

One of the major weaknesses of the Sri Lankan team is their inconsistency. Past performances have shown that they can struggle to maintain form, which could be detrimental in high-pressure matches.

Injuries to key players like Pathum Nissanka can impact the team’s composition and performance. Wanindu Hasaranga missed the IPL due to a heel injury but has returned to competitive cricket in recent practice matches.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s leadership will be under scrutiny, especially since he missed the IPL to stay fit for the World Cup. His ability to lead effectively under pressure will be critical for the team’s success.

Opportunities

Sri Lanka can leverage its status as an underdog. With less pressure to perform, it can play more freely and surprise stronger teams with its performance. The extended format of the World Cup allows Sri Lanka to build momentum and refine their strategies over several games. This can be advantageous in adapting to different opponents and conditions.

The batting strategy will focus on building solid partnerships at the top and accelerating in the middle and death overs. Players like Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will be key in setting the tone.

Left-arm spinning all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, despite not having played a T20 international, has been included for his skillset. His left-arm spin, lower-order hitting, and fielding capabilities offer valuable utility.

Threats

Historically, Sri Lanka has struggled in the knockout stages. Managing the pressure of these critical games will be crucial for their progress in the tournament. It is a significant challenge to face teams like India, England, and Australia due to their formidable line-ups and consistent performances.

The competition for fast-bowling places is intense. Dushmantha Chameera is likely to start but faces tough competition from Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka. This competition could impact team dynamics and selection.

Sri Lanka’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 is a blend of experience and youth, with strengths in their all-rounders and spin attack. While they face challenges such as inconsistency and injury concerns, the opportunities for success are significant.

Sri Lanka squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka. Travelling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage.