Sri Lanka is really preparing for the home ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The 2014 champions have made several changes to their coaching unit, and in a recent move, they have included India’s former T20 World Cup-winning coach.
Sri Lanka will host the ICC T20 World Cup after a long break, and as co-hosts of the tournament, they do not want to leave any stone unturned in their quest to win the tournament for the second time, having last won it a decade ago in 2014.
They already have the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya as their head coach and have called in former World Cup-winning captain and legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga as fast bowling consultant for the World Cup preparation phase till January 25. Now he has made another inclusion in the tally.
Rahul Dravid’s right hand included by Sri Lanka ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 under the leadership of Indian national team head coach Rahul Dravid. The same squad also included his right-hand man Vikram Rathod, who was India’s batting coach during that phase. Under his supervision and guidance the Indian batsmen performed excellently.
The India first-class veteran was first appointed the Indian batting coach in 2021, and his tenure was then extended to 2023. Under him, India were the runners-up of the 2023 World Cup and winners of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
He also took over the responsibilities of batting and assistant coach of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025 after Rahul Dravid returned as head coach for the season. Now he has been appointed and confirmed as the batting coach for Sri Lanka ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka is preparing to appoint former Indian batsman Vikram Rathore as the batting coach for the T20 World Cup. Rathore was India’s batting coach until 2024 and is currently the assistant coach of IPL team Rajasthan Royals. He will join the Sri Lankan team on 15 January. pic.twitter.com/DO7TGdDQpe
– Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) 7 January 2026
Sri Lanka announces return of Charith Asalanka ahead of T20 World Cup
Vikram Rathore will take over coaching duties with initial bilateral meetings
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