A new batting coach, Vikram Rathour, has been chosen for the New Zealand team.

New Zealand Cricket has recently made two new additions to their coaching staff for the upcoming Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. The former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and Sri Lankan spin legend Rangana Herath have been appointed to assist the Kiwi team during these crucial matches.

The Kiwis are set to play a one-off Test against Afghanistan before embarking on their tour to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series. The one-off match against Afghanistan is scheduled to take place at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground from September 9 to 13. Following this, New Zealand will also be facing India in a three-Test series in October-November.

While Herath has been designated as the spin bowling coach for both the Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Rathour will be joining the Kiwi side solely for the match against Afghanistan. Rathour has previously served as India's batting coach under the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid, and his successful tenure came to an end after India's T20 World Cup win in June this year.

New Zealand Cricket made the official announcement of these new appointments on their website. In their statement, they mentioned, "Sri Lankan spin maestro Rangana Herath has been appointed as the spin-bowling coach for the three upcoming Tests in Asia, replacing former Pakistan spinner and coach Saqlain Mushtaq who was originally announced to fill the temporary role but later withdrew to take up a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board."

Head coach Gary Stead expressed his excitement about the addition of Herath and Rathour to their Test squad. "We are thrilled to welcome Rangana and Vikram into our Test group. Both of these individuals are highly respected in the cricket world, and I am confident that our players will greatly benefit from their expertise and knowledge," he said.

Stead also highlighted the potential impact of Herath's experience as a left-arm spinner on New Zealand's Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra. "Having Rangana on board for three Tests on the subcontinent will be extremely valuable for our three left-arm orthodox spinners - Ajaz, Mitch, and Rachin. I am sure they will learn a lot from him," he added.

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