Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 6: Former India cricketer Vikram Rathour has been appointed as New Zealand's batting coach for their one-off Test match against Afghanistan.
Rathour, who played six Tests for India and was a key assistant to Rahul Dravid during his tenure as India coach, will provide valuable insights to the Kiwi players for the upcoming match in Noida.
In addition, former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath has joined the New Zealand team as the new bowling coach, replacing Saqlain Mushtaq, who has taken up a role with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
New Zealand's head coach, Gary Stead, expressed enthusiasm about Rathour and Herath's appointments, saying, "We're really excited to bring Rangana and Vikram into our Test squad. Both are highly respected in the cricketing world, and our players are eager to learn from them."
Stead also highlighted the benefit for New Zealand's left-arm orthodox spinners—Ajaz Patel, Mitch Santner, and Rachin Ravindra—of working with Herath, particularly in sub-continental conditions.
The New Zealand team arrived in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday ahead of their Test match against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place from September 9 to 13 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.
The squad, including Test captain Tim Southee, star batter Kane Williamson, vice-captain Tom Latham, and other team members, traveled from New Delhi Airport to Greater Noida. New Zealand's spin-bowling options for the match include Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips.
New Zealand's squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan is as follows: 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.
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