New Zealand Adds Vikram Rathour and Rangana Herath to Coaching Staff for Asia Tests

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and Sri Lanka spin legend Rangana Herath have joined New Zealand's coaching staff ahead of their upcoming Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Herath is set to serve as the spin-bowling coach, while Rathour will assist specifically for the Test against Afghanistan.

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and Sri Lanka spin legend Rangana Herath were on Friday introduced as part of New Zealand's coaching staff ahead of their upcoming Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

The New Zealand team will first play a one-off Test against Afghanistan, set to be held at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground from September 9 to 13. Following this, they will head to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series and later face India in a three-Test series in October-November.

While Herath has been appointed for the Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Rathour will be with the Kiwi side only for the contest against Afghanistan. Rathour had previously achieved success as India's batting coach under head coach Rahul Dravid, his tenure concluding after India's T20 World Cup victory in June.

New Zealand Cricket announced the addition of Rathour and Herath on their website, clarifying that Herath replaces former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who had to withdraw to take a role with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Head coach Gary Stead expressed enthusiasm about the appointments, saying, "We're really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group. Both men are held in high regard in the world of cricket and I know our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them." He highlighted that Herath's expertise would be especially beneficial for New Zealand's left-arm orthodox spinners Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra.

(With inputs from agencies.)