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Former Indian batter Vikram Rathour has been named IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals' batting coach. He will reunite with Rahul Dravid, who was named the head coach of the franchise earlier this month.
Rathour served as India’s batting coach for five years, working closely with Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. His contract ended in June 2024 alongside Dravid after India won the T20 World Cup. Rathour played six Tests and seven ODIs for India from 1996-97.
Despite not realizing his talent as a professional cricketer, Rathour took to coaching and flourished. Dravid, who has worked closely with Rathour during their association with the Indian team, was delighted to have him on board.
"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,” Dravid told RR.
Rathour was part of New Zealand’s coaching set-up earlier in the month. He was appointed the batting consultant in Greater Noida for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. It was part of the Kiwis' preparation for six Tests on the subcontinent.
Rathour had earlier been part of the Punjab Kings coaching setup in the IPL. He had also served as the director of cricket at Himachal Pradesh.
On that note, let us have a look at three reasons why Rathour joining the RR support staff is the right move:
#1 Vikram Rathour's vast experience
Rathour’s expertise in coaching makes him a perfect choice for taking up the batting coach role for the Rajasthan Royals. He has helped develop the likes of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul and has an uncanny knack for picking up new talents.
New head coach Rahul Dravid feels Rathour is the perfect fit for the Rajasthan Royals.
"Having worked closely with Vikram for many years, I can confidently say that his technical expertise, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of Indian conditions make him a perfect fit for the Royals," Dravid told RR.
Rathour’s long association with Team India indicates his expertise in coaching and nurturing young talents. Over the years, the Royals have nurtured several young talents, making Rathour a perfect match.
#2 Rathour’s indomitable partnership with Rahul Dravid
For a coach who has worked so closely with Rahul Dravid in the last few years, Rajasthan Royals didn't want to leave an opportunity to see the duo reunite in the IPL. Dravid praised Rathour's coaching credentials and looked forward to working with him again.
"The opportunity to work again with Rahul, and now with a talented group of young cricketers, is hugely 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 told RR.
Working closely with Dravid in the past will help both ease into their roles. The duo can certainly take Rajasthan Royals to greater heights. The Royals would also be hoping to see a change in their fortunes.
#3 Rathour’s bonding with the players
What sets Rathour apart besides being a thorough professional is the relation he shares with his players. Time and again we have seen the Indian players going up to Rathour and taking advice or specifically working on certain weaknesses or shortcomings.
Having spent considerable time with the Indian players, it should be a smooth transition for Rathour at RR.
The young Team India players have looked up to him and the roles shouldn't change much in the Royals dressing room.
