In the latest developments ahead of the upcoming World T20 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have appointed Vikram Rathour as the team’s batting coach on a consultancy basis till the World Cup ends. The main event is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka in February and March. According to an SLC statement, Vikram Rathour’s appointment is specifically aimed at preparing the team for the World Cup. His tenure will run from January 18 to March 10 while the T20 World Cup will run from February 7 to March 8. Vikram Rathour has been a former cricketer for India and later he has served as the batting coach for the Indian Men team from September 2019 to July 2024. There were some notable improvement in performances during his period. Currently he is also working as the lead assistant coach for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
The World Cup 2026 is and with this appointment of Vikram Rathour as the batting coach, Sri Lanka are keen for some significant improvement in their batting. Sri Lanka have recently found a slum and even in the recent T20 against Pakistan they were bundled out for less than 130.
Sri Lanka are currently playing a T20 series against Paksitan at home. After this series finishes., Sri Lanka will lock horns with England across three ODIs and three T20I matches. So it is highly likely that Vikram Rathour will be joining the team before the England series starts. The matches against England will be played on January 22, 24, and 27, with the T20Is scheduled for January 30, February 1, and 3.
Watch : Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes 63 balls century for India U19 against South Africa
Sri Lanka will then kick off their T20 World Cup campaign by taking on Ireland. at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on February 8. Sri Lanka are placed in Group B of the tournament with Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. The side will hope for a good start to their campaign as they take on Ireland. They are playing at home and will be keen to put up a good performance in front of their home crowd.
