New Zealand Cricket has strategically strengthened their preparations for an upcoming tour of the subcontinent by recruiting two experienced coaches: former India batting coach Vikram Rathore and former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath. The move comes as New Zealand prepares for a series of high-stakes Test matches in the Indian subcontinent.
Roles and Responsibilities: The Test of Afghanistan and Beyond
Rathour’s role will focus on the one-off Test Afghanistanset to begin on September 9. On the other hand, Herath’s expertise will be put to full use during New Zealand’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Both the coaches have already been integrated into the New Zealand squad currently based in Greater Noida, where they are preparing to face Afghanistan at the Greater Noida Sports Complex ground.
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Impact of appointments for New Zealand
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed optimism about these strategic additions, emphasizing the extraordinary value they bring. “We are thrilled to have Rangana and Vikram join our Test squad. 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.” Stead said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket.
He stressed that their in-depth knowledge of subcontinental conditions would be crucial in refining the Blackcaps’ game plan for the challenges ahead. Stead highlighted the specific benefits Herath will bring to the team, particularly for New Zealand’s trio of orthodox left-arm spinners – Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner AND Rachin Ravindra.
“For our three orthodox left-arm spinners in particular, Ajaz, Mitch and Rachin, the opportunity to work with Rangana in three Tests in the sub-continent will be hugely beneficial. Rangana’s experience, especially his success in Galle where he took over 100 Test wickets, will be invaluable as we prepare for the Sri Lanka series. Stead finished
Afghanistan’s future challenges and training strategy
After the one-off Test against Afghanistan, New Zealand will begin a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka before returning to India for a three-match Test series. Rathour, who played six Tests for India in the late 1990s and later served as selector and batting coach, recently contributed to India’s success in T20 World Cup 2024 under the guidance of the coach Rahul Dravid.
In a related development, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has appointed earlier R Sridhar as assistant coach for their upcoming series against New Zealand AND South Africa. Sridhar, who served as India’s fielding coach from 2014 to 2021 under Ravi Shastribrings a wealth of experience in organizing training in Afghanistan.
