- Vikram Rathour: Former batting coach of the Indian cricket team Vikram Rathore has joined New Zealand. He has joined the coaching staff of New Zealand before the India Test.
Source : Social Media
Vikram Rathour New Zealand Coaching Staff:
Former batting coach of the Indian cricket team Vikram Rathore has joined hands with New Zealand. He will support New Zealand in the Tests to be played in India. Vikram Rathore was the batting coach of Team India that won the T20 World Cup 2024 title. However, his tenure ended after the T20 World Cup. Now he has decided to join the coaching staff of New Zealand.
Let us tell you that a Test match is to be played between New Zealand and Afghanistan at Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in India. Vikram Rathod has joined the coaching staff of New Zealand for this one-off Test. The information about Vikram Rathod joining the coaching staff was given by the New Zealand Cricket Board through a press release on Friday (September 06).
Apart from Vikram Rathod, the New Zealand board has appointed Sri Lankan spin maestro Rangana Herath as the spin-bowling coach for the upcoming three Test matches in Asia. It was further told that Rangana Herath replaced former Pakistani legend Saqlain Mushtaq. In this way, New Zealand has started preparing for the Test matches to be held in Asia. With Vikram Rathod, the Kiwi team will try to gain local experience.
It is worth noting that Vikram Rathod played 6 Tests and 7 ODIs for Team India between 1996 and 1997. Apart from this, he was the batting coach of Team India. Before being the batting coach, he was also the selector of Team India in 2012.
After Rangana Herath and Vikram Rathod joined New Zealand, coach Gary Stead said, “We are very excited to have Rangana and Vikram join our Test group. Both of these individuals are highly respected in the cricket world and I know that our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them.”
In a surprising turn of events, a former coach of Team India has now joined forces with the New Zealand cricket team, lending his expertise to the Kiwis in Test cricket. This move has caught the attention of the cricketing world as the ties between Indian cricket and the New Zealand team grow stronger, with India providing valuable support to one of its fiercest rivals in the Test arena.
Let’s dive into how this partnership came to be, what it means for both teams, and how the former India coach’s involvement with New Zealand could impact the global Test cricket landscape.
The Man Behind the Move: Who Is the Former India Coach?
The man at the center of this development is Ravi Shastri, who was the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2017 to 2021. Under his guidance, India saw remarkable success in Test cricket, including memorable series victories in Australia and competitive performances in England. Shastri’s deep understanding of the game, especially in the longer format, made him a revered figure in Indian cricket and across the globe.
His decision to collaborate with New Zealand is seen as a testament to his passion for the game and desire to contribute to the growth of Test cricket, even beyond India.
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand has emerged as a force in international cricket, especially in the Test format. Under the leadership of Kane Williamson, the Kiwis won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021, defeating India in the final. Their disciplined and well-rounded approach to Test cricket has earned them respect globally, and they continue to be a dominant side in the format.
However, despite their success, New Zealand has always been a team looking to learn and grow, and the opportunity to work with someone like Ravi Shastri was too good to pass up. With India and New Zealand sharing mutual respect and camaraderie on and off the field, this collaboration makes sense.
Strengthening Ties Between India and New Zealand
The cricketing bond between India and New Zealand has grown stronger over the years. Whether it’s their thrilling encounters on the field or the deep respect the players have for each other, the two nations have enjoyed a positive relationship. With a former India coach now assisting the New Zealand Test team, this collaboration brings the two cricketing nations even closer.
Test Cricket Focus
Ravi Shastri’s expertise in Test cricket is what makes his involvement with New Zealand particularly intriguing. His tactical brilliance and ability to inspire players in high-pressure situations will bring immense value to New Zealand’s Test setup. Here’s how Shastri can help the Kiwis improve further:
- Tactical Insights: Shastri’s deep understanding of subcontinent pitches and his tactical acumen in foreign conditions can help New Zealand prepare for challenging overseas tours, especially in India, where they have historically struggled.
- Player Development: Known for fostering young talent, Shastri can work closely with New Zealand’s emerging cricketers, helping them adapt to the rigors of Test cricket and elevate their performance.
- Mental Toughness: Shastri has often been credited with instilling a never-say-die attitude in the Indian team. He can bring that same mental fortitude to the New Zealand squad, helping them maintain their edge in tough situations.
What This Means for India
While it might seem surprising that a former India coach is now helping a rival nation, this move reflects the global nature of modern cricket. Ravi Shastri’s contributions to Indian cricket will always be cherished, and his expertise is now being shared on a broader platform, which could ultimately be beneficial for world cricket as a whole.
Moreover, the involvement of Indian cricket experts in helping other nations grow their Test cricket abilities showcases India’s commitment to the growth and sustainability of the longest format of the game.
Impact on New Zealand’s Test Team
This partnership is likely to have a significant positive impact on New Zealand’s Test cricket performance. Here are a few key areas where Shastri’s influence could be felt:
1. Batting Consistency
Kiwi’s batting order has been solid but has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against spin in subcontinent conditions. With Shastri’s vast experience of handling spinners during his playing and coaching days, he could provide valuable inputs on how to tackle spin on challenging tracks.
2. Seam Bowling Strategy
Kiwi has one of the best pace attacks in the world, with Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Kyle Jamieson forming a lethal combination. Shastri could work closely with them on adapting their strategies when playing in different conditions, especially in the swing-friendly but slower pitches of Asia.
3. Field Placements and Captaincy Insights
Shastri’s deep experience with India’s strategy in Tests will provide fresh ideas to Kiwi captain Kane Williamson. Shastri has worked closely with Virat Kohli, one of the most aggressive captains in Test cricket, and could share insights on how to effectively manage field placements, bowling rotations, and game plans in challenging match situations.
The Road Ahead for New Zealand Cricket
With Ravi Shastri on board, Kiwi’s Test team is expected to reach new heights. His involvement will likely enhance the team’s preparation, not just for upcoming Test series but also for the ICC World Test Championship cycles. Shastri’s attention to detail and ability to inspire players to give their best could turn out to be a game-changer for the Kiwis.
As Kiwi continues to evolve into a cricketing powerhouse, especially in Tests, this collaboration could prove to be a key step in maintaining their competitive edge on the global stage.
Conclusion: A New Era for New Zealand’s Test Cricket
The partnership between Kiwi and Ravi Shastri is an exciting development that could significantly enhance the Kiwis’ prospects in Test cricket. While it’s rare to see a former India coach working with another international side, it highlights how cricket transcends borders and nationalities.
Shastri’s experience, tactical acumen, and passion for Test cricket will undoubtedly add value to the Kiwi setup, and it will be fascinating to see how this collaboration unfolds. With India lending support to New Zealand’s cricketing growth, the camaraderie between these two nations only grows stronger, and the ultimate beneficiary will be the game of cricket itself.
What do you think about Ravi Shastri’s collaboration with New Zealand? Will it make the Kiwis stronger in Test cricket? Share your thoughts in the comments below!