Rathour and Herath join New Zealand support team ahead of Afghanistan Test

New Zealand cricket has made some key additions to their support staff as they gear up for their one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida.

Vikram Rathour, the former India batting coach, has been brought in to help New Zealand’s batsmen. Alongside him, Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka’s legendary left-arm spinner, will join as the spin bowling coach for the Afghanistan Test and the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Rathour, who played six Tests for India in the 1990s and later served as a national selector, was part of India’s coaching team led by Rahul Dravid. He stepped down after India’s T20 World Cup victory, and now brings his expertise to New Zealand’s camp.

Herath, considered one of the most successful left-arm spinners in cricket, replaces Saqlain Mushtaq, who was originally set to take the role. Saqlain had to withdraw to join the Pakistan Cricket Board. Herath’s experience will be particularly valuable to New Zealand’s spin bowlers, especially with Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra in the squad.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed excitement about the new appointments, noting that both Rathour and Herath are highly respected in world cricket.

Stead emphasized how important Herath’s knowledge of subcontinent conditions will be, particularly for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka. Herath has taken over 100 wickets in Galle, the venue for both matches against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand’s one-off Test against Afghanistan is set to begin on September 9, followed by their first Test against Sri Lanka on September 18. These matches are crucial as part of the World Test Championship, where New Zealand currently holds the third spot.