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Vikram Rathour Joins New Zealand For Afghanistan Test; Rangana Herath Appointed Bowling Coach

Rathour and Herath- (X.com)Rathour and Herath- (X.com)

In the latest development around New Zealand cricket, the Blackcaps have roped in former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath as the spin-bowling coach for the upcoming Asian tours against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. 

The Blackcaps dropped a press release where they confirmed Herath's appointment. Meanwhile, to better prepare for Asian conditions, New Zealand Cricket also roped in former India batting coach Vikram Rathour for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida in September. 

It is worth noting that Herath has replaced Pakistan great Saqlain Mushtaq for this temporary role. Unlike Rathour, who will be associated with New Zealand for the Afghanistan Test, Herath would also help the blackcaps for their upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. 

New Zealand To Tour Afghanistan, Sri Lanka

New Zealand will face Afghanistan for a one-off Test starting on September 9 at Greater Noida. After that, the blackcaps will travel to Sri Lanka for two Test matches starting on September 18. 

The Blackcaps will have an extended stay in Asia as they will return to India for a three-match Test series starting on October 16. However, it is to be seen whether the two greats of cricketing world would extend their stay with New Zealand. 

New Zealand Coach Speaks On Rathour And Herath's Appointment

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead heaped massive praise on Herath and Rathour. He remarked that Rangana and Vikram's addition will benefit the players in a big way to understand the Asian conditions.

“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. For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz, Mitch and Rachin, having the chance to work with Rangana across three Tests on the sub-continent will be hugely beneficial," he remarked. 

New Zealand have announced their squad for Afghanistan as Tim Southee will lead the side. 

Tim Southee (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (VC), Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

Vikram Rathour To Join Rahul Dravid At Rajasthan Royals

Recently, there were reports from Cricbuzz that Rajasthan Royals have roped in Rahul Dravid as their next head coach for IPL 2025. The report also added that Vikram Rathour will join Dravid there as the assistant coach. Rathour was also a part of Dravid's coaching team during his tenure as India head coach.