In a significant development ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have announced the appointment of Vikram Rathour as their new batting coach and Shane Bond as the team’s fast bowling coach and assistant coach. This strategic move aims to bolster their coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Dual role for the New Zealand veteran

Shane Bond, the former New Zealand pacer, joined the Royals in a dual capacity, bringing a wealth of experience to the franchise. Known for his exceptional fast bowling skills during his playing career, Bond has previously served as the bowling coach for New Zealand, helping them reach the final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. He also had a successful stint with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL, contributing to?? ?their multiple title wins.

Broad’s role will involve working closely with the current core of fast bowlers, including Trent Boult  and Navdeep Saini, aiming to enhance their skills and performance.

Also READ: IPL 2025 Auction – 4 Players Rajasthan Royals can retain as per the current ‘3+1’ rule

Experience of former India batting coach

Vikram Rathour, who previously served as the batting coach for the Indian national team, will work alongside head coach Rahul Dravid. The duo has a successful history together, having nurtured young talent in Indian cricket. Rathour’s expertise will be crucial in developing batting strategies and improving player performances as Rajasthan aims to reclaim its status in the IPL.

Rajasthan Royals’ goal for IPL 2025

The Rajasthan Royals are keen to improve their performance following a mixed bag in previou??s seasons. With only one IPL title to their name since 2008, the franchise is determined to build a competitive team that can challenge for championships. The combination of experienced coaches like Bond and Rathour is expected to provide fresh perspectives and strategies as they gear up for the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

Hollywood 🤝 Bollywood 😋
Bowling Coach 🤝 Batting Coach 🔥

Excited, #RoyalsFamily? 💗 pic.twitter.com/rdz3IwZoaG

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 20, 2024

Also READ?: 3 players Rajastha?n Royals can release ahead of IPL 2025 auction

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

New Zealand Cricket has strategically bolstered their preparations for an upcoming subcontinent tour by recruiting two seasoned coaches: former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and ex-Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath. This move comes as New Zealand?? gears up for a series of high-stakes Test matches in the Indian subcontinent.

Roles and responsibilities: Afghanistan Test and beyond

Rathour’s role will be concentrated on the one-off Test against Afghanistan, set to commence on September 9. On the other hand, Herath’s expertise will be fully utilized during New Zealand’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Both coaches have already integrated into the New Zealand squad currently based in Greater Noida, where they are preparing to face Afghanistan at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.

Also READ: New Zealand Cricke?t names new bowling coach for the men’s team

Impact of the appointments for New Zealand

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed optimism about these strategic additions, emphasizing the immense value they bring. “We’re thrilled to have Rangana and Vikram join our Test group. Both men are held in high regard in the world of cricket and I know our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them,” Stead said in a statement released by New Zealand Cr??icket.

He stressed that their deep knowledge of subcontinental conditions would be pivotal in refining the Blackcaps’ game plan for the challenges ahead. Stead highlighted the specific benefits Herath will bring to the team, particularly for New Zealand’s trio of left-arm orthodox spinners – Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra.

“For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz, Mitch and Rachin, having the chance to work with Rangana across three Tests on the sub-continent will be hugely beneficial. Rangana’s experience, especially his success at Galle, where he has taken over 100 Test wickets, will be incredibly valuable as we prepare for the Sri Lanka series,” Stead concluded

Upcoming challenges and Afghanistan’s coaching strategy

Following the one-off Test against Afghanistan, New Zealand will embark on a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka before returning to India for a three-match Test series. Rathour, who played six Tests for India in the late 1990s and later served as a selector and batting coach, recently contributed to India’s success in the T20 World Cup 2024 under head coach Rahul Dravid.

In a related development, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also earlier appointed R Sridhar as an assistant coach for their upcoming series against New Zealand and South Africa. Sridhar, who served as India’s fielding coach from 2014 to 2021 under Ravi Shastri, brings a wealth of experience to Afghanistan’s coaching setup.

Also READ: New Zealand Cricket welcomes rising stars Nathan Smith and Josh Clar??kson with central contrac??t

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

India’s T20 World Cup group stage wrapped up on Saturday with their final match against Canada abandoned due to a wet outfield in Lauderhill, Florida. Despite the w??ashout, India secured top spot in Group A with seven points from three completed matches.

Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan released from the Indian squad

As the team prepares to travel to the Caribbean for the Super 8 stage, two members of the initial four-man reserve contingent, Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan, have been released from the squad and will return to India. This move aligns with the pre-tournament plan, according to batting coach Vikram Rathour, who addressed rumours suggesting disciplinary reasons for Gill’s departure.

Several media houses reported off Gill being sent back to India as he was spotted making rounds on the streets of New York and Lauderhi??ll, irrespective of the Indian contingent practicing in the nets and sweating it out in the gym??.

However, these reports are false and Rathour has cleared?? the air.

Also READ: Fielding coach T? Dilip names Team ?India’s ‘best fielders�?in the T20 World Cup 2024

Vikram Rathour clarifies rumours of disciplinary action on Shubman Gill

“This was always the plan,” Rathour stated at a press conference. “Four reserve players would accompany the team to the US, and then two would return home after the group stage. This was decided before the tournament even began.”

While acknowledging the disappointment of missing out on match practice before the Super 8 stage, Rathour emphasized the safety aspect of the decision. “We would have loved to play,” he admitted, “but the risk of injuries due to the wet outfield couldn’t be ignored, especially heading into the crucial Super 8 matches.”

Rohit Sharma’s Team India finds themselves in Group 1 of the Super 8 stage and will face Afghanistan in their opening match on Thursday, June 20th, in Barbados. The team will be bolstered by the remaining two reserve players, Rinku Singh and Khaleel Ahmed.

Also READ: T20 World Cup – Netizens react as Australia’s last-over victory over Scotland sends England to Super 8

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

On Tuesday, Vikram Rathour revealed that he has reapplied for Team India’s batting coach position.

While addressing the media ahead of the Indian-Afghanistan clash, he said: “The experience has been great, it has been a great learning experience. It is great to work with a team of such highly skilled and motivated players. Going forward, I have already applied for the batting coach position and if I get it, there is going to be a lot of work there.”

While answering a question on India’s batting order, he added: “How things went was that Surya was having some back spasm the previous night. So, he was not fit enough to be in the playing XI. So, the person coming in was of course Ishan. And Ishan has done really well as an opener in IPL and in the past for the Indian team as well. And about who takes the call — it was the whole management who sits together and takes this call and of course, Rohit is part of that group.”

Vikram is already working with the Indi??an team as a batting coach for the last two years.

Last month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had issued a notice inviting applicants for the coaching staff – head coach, batting coach, bowling coach and fielding coach for the senior Indian men’s cricket team.

Apart from Rathour, other staff members like bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach R Sridhar and strength and conditioning coach Nick Webb will exit alongside team India’s head coach Ravi Shastri after the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Last week, the former Indian team captain Rahul Dravid applied for the head coach job. Meanwhile, VVS Laxman has denied to become the new chief of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Earlier this week, the Indian team management faced some heat due to their comments on young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant. Former opening batsman Gautam Gambhir criticized the administration, saying ‘this is no way to handle a young human resource‘.

During the discussion regarding Pant’s poor form, head coach Ravi Shastri commented that there would be a ‘rap on the knuckles‘. Newly appointed batting coach Vikram Rathour also made a similar comment saying that ‘there is a fine line between fearless cricket and careless cricket‘.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Shastri explained his comments. “I spoke about ‘the rap on the knuckles’. If someone goofs up, I have to pull them up. Am I there only to play tabla?” said Shastri.

“But this guy is world-class, this guy can be destructive, can be a destroyer. And we will give him all the support that he needs to prosper in international cricket,” he added.

Shastri requested fans t??o be patient with Pant as he is still in the learning phase.

“Pant is different; he is world-class and is a brutal match-winner. Very few around in the world game; I can’t pick five on my hands when it comes to white-ball cricket, T20 cricket. So the patience we will have with him is a lot.

“All your media reports and all the experts writing (but) Pant is in great space with this Indian team. Experts, they have a job, they can speak. Pant is a special kid, and he has already done enough. And he is only going to learn. This team management will back him to the hilt,” he concluded.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Former Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir expressed his disappointment with the Ind??ian team management on how they are ??treating Rishabh Pant.

The 21-year-old Pant has been under scrutiny for his poor batting performance, specially shot selection.

Pant has been outstanding for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2019, scoring 684 runs. His form during the IPL earned him a spot in the Indian team, but the youngster struggled to? sco?re in the international arena.

“Personally, I have always backed Sanju Samson ahead of Rishabh for wicketkeeper-batsman’s role but it is disappointing to see the team-management using words like ‘from fearless to careless’, ‘rap on Rishbah’s knuckles’ and ‘need for a backup of Rishabh’,” quoted Gambhir.

During an interview earlier this month, head coach Ravi Shastri talked about Pant’s form. “There will be a rap on the knuckles there – talent or no talent – because you are letting the team down, forget letting yourself down,” said Shastri.

India’s new batting coach, Vikram Rathour also mentioned Pant’s way of batting. “All the young players need to understand that there is a fine line between fearless cricket and careless cricket,” told Vikram.

Gambhir feels that these kinds of statements from the team management are going to put more pressure on Pant. “This is no way to handle a young human resource. Everyone wants him to play ‘sensible’ cricket. I don’t know what that means. What I do know is that the boy is now playing for survival rather than scoring runs,” said Gambhir.

“From the outside, it seems that his mindset is all over the place. Someone needs to put an arm around his shoulder and tell him that he is wanted in the team,” he concluded.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The struggle to find the perfect No. 4 for Team India doesn’t seem to end. India has tested the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Manish Pandey, Lokesh Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Kedar Jadhav, and Rishabh Pant for the spot over the last few years.

Earlier this month, India’s newly appointed batting coach Vikram Rathour expressed his opinion about the issue. Rathou??r named Iyer ?and Manish Pandey as his top choice. Both are currently in the T20I squad for the series against South Africa.

“Shreyas Iyer has done well in the last couple of games and we also have Manish Pandey. These two guys have done very well in domestic cricket and with India A. These are the batters who are capable of doing the job and I have no doubt about it in my mind.

“It is a matter of getting it right at the top level. We need to back them and provide them with the right preparations so that they can be there for a longer time. They have enough talent in them to do well,” told Vikram.

Former Indian Skipper Sourav Ganguly also feels that it would be hard for KL Rahu??l to hold onto his position in the Indian team.

“With Rohit and Shikhar at the top as the best possible opening pair, KL Rahul will be pushed. He has lost his place in Test cricket due to indifferent form and the likes of Shreyas and Manish Pandey will keep him on his toes if he wants to hold onto the No. 4 slot,” said Ganguly for Times of India.

In the ODI series against West Indie?s, Iyer scored back to back fifties, earning a spot in the T20I sq??uad.

“Shreyas Iyer finds a place in the T20 squad, a reward for his good show in the 50-overs games in West Indies,” Ganguly added.

Team India is set to play the last T20I of the series against South Africa on Sunday, S?eptember 22 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Beng?aluru.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Rishabh Pant has had more downs than ups in the shortest format of the game for India, with his? last nine T20Is seeing him score less than 5 on six occasions with unbeaten 65 in the last T20I against West Indies in Guyana being his highest.

As Team Indi??a is all set to face South Africa in the second T20I at the IS Bindra Stadium on Wednesday (September 18), the team management would hope Pant puts on the kind of show he does in the IPL, where he has scored 488 runs and 684 respectively in the last two seasons.

Captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri have already told the reporters that Pant can make his rich batting talent count only if he improves game awareness and doesn’t throw away his wicket. On Tuesday, after a long training session with Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey, the new batting coach Vikram Rathour made few things clear.

“In T20, we are fortunate to have all-rounders. Iyer and Pandey have proved their credentials in domestic cricket consistently and have been picked for the middle-order. They need to carry on and be consistent. We have 20-21 games ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will help us prepare well. With such depth in batting, we can come hard in the beginning of the match and maintain momentum,” Rathour said in his first media interaction in a new role.

The former Test opener is n??o stranger to the national set up, having been a national selector from 2012 to 2016. He wants batsmen to be fearless, but sensible.

“Rishabh is phenomenal but needs to sort out his game plan and be more disciplined,” Rathour said. “His hits make him special and an impact player. But the young cricketers need to understand that there is a thin line between playing fearless and careless cricket. The team management is asking the players to be fearless, to have intent and back their strength.”

“At times, we over emphasise on technique. It is more about the mindset at this level, getting your game plan right. As far as Rishabh is concerned, he is a phenomenal player, he just needs to sort out his game plan, bring in a little bit of discipline in his cricket.

“We want him to play all his shots. That is what makes him special, he is an impact player. But at the same time, you can’t be careless,” the batting coach added.

The opening game of the three-match T20I series between India and South Africa on Sunday (September 15) was abandoned due ?to rain? in Dharamsala.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

On Friday, Team India’s new batting coach Vikram Rathour opened up about solving the No. 4 conundrum. In World Cup 2019, India’s middle-order failed to click that eventually saw them losing the semi-final match against New Zealand. Post the World Cup, Shreyas Iyer was tried in the middle-order at No. 5. And he let his bat do the talking with a couple of half-centuries, scoring 136 runs in the two ODIs against West Indies.

Spea?king to bcci.tv, Rathour mentioned that one of the areas that needed to be worked on was the number four spot in limited-overs cricket.

“It is not just about the World Cup. It is one slot (we must look at). The middle-order in one-day is not doing well and we must, of course, sort it out. Shreyas Iyer has done well in the last couple of games and we also have Manish Pandey. These two guys have done very well in domestic cricket and with India A. These are the batters who are capable of doing the job and I have no doubt about it in my mind. It is a matter of getting it right at the top level. We need to back them and provide them with the right preparations so that they can be there for a longer time. They have enough talent in them to do well.”

Openers KL Rahul and Mayank Aga?rwal failed to form a solid partnership at the top of the order in the Test series against the Windies.

Regarding ??the batting woes at the top, the 50-year-old said that there was a fair amount of competition for the opening slot in the red-ball format.

“The other area of concern is the opening partnership in Tests. We have options and there is healthy competition. We need to find a way for them to be more consistent.”

India are all set to take o??n South Africa at home in three T20Is, starting September 15. The two quality sides wil??l then face-off in a three-match Test series, from October 2.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.