Vikram Rathour Joins New Zealand as Batting Coach for Afghanistan Test

Former Indian cricketer Vikram Rathour has been appointed New Zealand's batting coach for their upcoming Test against Afghanistan. Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath has also joined the New Zealand team as bowling coach, replacing Saqlain Mushtaq. The Test match is set to take place in Greater Noida from September 9 to 13.

Former Indian cricketer Vikram Rathour has been appointed as New Zealand's batting coach for their upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan. Rathour, who has played six Tests for India and was a key assistant to Rahul Dravid during his tenure as India coach, joins the New Zealand camp to provide crucial insights ahead of the match scheduled in Noida.

Former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath has joined the Kiwis as their new bowling coach, replacing Saqlain Mushtaq, who has taken a role with the Pakistan Cricket Board. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed excitement about the additions, stating that both men are highly regarded in the cricketing world. 'For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz Patel, Mitch Santner, and Rachin Ravindra, having the chance to work with Rangana will be hugely beneficial,' Stead told the ICC.

On Thursday, the New Zealand squad arrived in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, for the Test match scheduled from September 9 to 13 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground. The squad, led by skipper Tim Southee and featuring star batter Kane Williamson and vice-captain Tom Latham, comprises five spin-bowling options, including Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips.

(With inputs from agencies.)