New Delhi: With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set to begin on February 7, Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a major strategic step to strengthen its preparations for the marquee tournament. The World Cup, which will run until March 8, will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Ahead of the tournament, Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday announced the appointment of former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour as the national team’s new batting consultant. Rathour will play a key role in fine-tuning Sri Lanka’s batting unit as part of their World Cup preparations.
According to the official announcement, Rathour will take charge from January 18, and his contract will remain valid until March 10, two days after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup.
Official Announcement by Sri Lanka Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed Rathour’s appointment in a statement, saying, “Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has been appointed as the batting coach (consultant) of the Sri Lanka national team. His primary focus will be to help the team prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.”
Vast Coaching Experience
Vikram Rathour brings with him rich international coaching experience. He was part of India’s men’s coaching setup under head coach Rahul Dravid from September 2019 to July 2024. During his tenure, India reached the finals of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
After his stint with the Indian team, Rathour joined IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals as their batting coach, a role he continues to hold. As a former international cricketer, Rathour represented India in six Test matches and seven One-Day Internationals.
Sri Lanka’s Probable Squad
Sri Lanka’s preliminary squad includes:
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, Ishan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Traveen Mathew.
Sri Lanka’s Group Stage Schedule
- Sri Lanka vs Ireland: February 8
- Sri Lanka vs Oman: February 12
- Australia vs Sri Lanka: February 16
- Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe: February 19
With the inclusion of an experienced coach like Vikram Rathour, Sri Lanka is aiming to sharpen its batting strength and make a strong impact in the T20 World Cup 2026.
