New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Vikram Rathour was appointed as the new batting coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals on Friday. The team announced the development on its social media platforms and confirmed that Rathour will join the set-up next season (IPL 2025).
Rathour, who played six Tests and seven One-Day Internationals for India between 1996 and 1997, served as the batting coach of the Indian men’s cricket team until the triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA. The 55-year-old’s tenure ended after the showpiece ICC event. He was appointed in the role in 2019 under Ravi Shastri and continued in the next management led by Dravid for close to three years.
The recent development comes after the inaugural IPL champions roped in Dravid as their head coach on September 9. Rathour and Dravid will reunite in pink colours rather than blue.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the Royals family. The opportunity to work again with Rahul, and now with a talented group of young cricketers, is exciting. I look forward to contributing to the team’s vision and working toward our goal of developing top-class players for the Royals and for India which can help in winning championships,” Rathour was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the franchise.
Halla Bol, Rathour is coming home to Rajasthan! 🔥💗 pic.twitter.com/jW1Sjax91W
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 20, 2024
‘I’m thrilled to reunite with him’: Rahul Dravid
In Vikram Rathour’s stint with the Men in Blue, India qualified for two World Test Championship final, won second Test series in Australia in 2020-21, finished as runners-up of World Cup 2023, and most importantly lifted the cup in Barbados in June this year.
“Having worked closely with Vikram for many years, I can confidently say that his technical expertise, calm demeanour, and deep understanding of Indian conditions make him a perfect fit for the Royals,” newly-appointed Royals coach Dravid said.
“Together, we’ve built a strong rapport, guiding India to key successes, and I’m thrilled to reunite with him. His ability to nurture young talent and elevate players’ potential will be invaluable as we aim to further strengthen our squad and continue building a world-class team here at Rajasthan Royals,” the former India skipper added.
Rathour bhi, Royal bhi! 💗
T20 World Cup winning coach Vikram Rathour joins our support staff and reunites with Rahul Dravid! 🤝🔥 pic.twitter.com/YbGvoMQyrv
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 20, 2024
Rathour was part of New Zealand’s coaching staff for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida earlier this month. However, the Test match was abandoned due to wet outfield followed by persistent rain showers in the course of five days. Rathour was also the national selector in 2012.
Former Indian cricketer Vikram Rathour was appointed as the new batting coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals on Friday. The team announced the development on its social media platforms and confirmed that Rathour will join the set-up next season (IPL 2025). Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
