Vikram Rathour joins New Zealand team for Afghanistan Test
What's the story
Vikram Rathour, the former batting coach of the Indian cricket team, has joined the New Zealand Test squad's support staff.
His inclusion is specifically for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in Noida, starting on September 9.
The move aims to leverage Rathour's extensive experience with Indian playing conditions.
The Kiwi team arrived in India earlier this week, ahead of their upcoming match.
Staff changes
Rangana Herath replaces Saqlain Mushtaq in NZ support staff
In addition to Rathour, former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath has also been added to the New Zealand support staff.
He will serve as the spin-bowling coach for both the Afghanistan Test and subsequent Sri Lanka Tests.
Herath steps in to replace Saqlain Mushtaq, who had initially been slated for this role but later accepted a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Coach's statement
NZ coach Gary Stead welcomes new additions
Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand Cricket, expressed his excitement about the new additions to their Test group.
"We're really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group," he said in a NZC statement.
Stead emphasized that both men are highly respected in the cricket world and that their players are eager to learn from them.
Career progression
Rathour's journey and NZ's upcoming match
Rathour served as India's batting coach from 2019 to 2024, a tenure that included India's victorious ICC T20 World Cup campaign this year.
Earlier reports suggested that he might join Rahul Dravid in the Rajasthan Royals support staff, where Dravid is expected to become head coach.
Meanwhile, the one-off Test between New Zealand and Afghanistan is set to begin on Monday, September 9.