Hitting More Fours Could Solve Power-Hitting Challenges, Says SL Batting Coach Rathour

The batting performance of Sri Lanka has been disappointing in the last few T20I matches. Interestingly, their experienced batters have failed to perform in home conditions just ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The batting coach of Sri Lanka, Vikram Rathour, has acknowledged the team’s underwhelming performance, but stressed that the players are moving in the right direction.

"I think we were better today definitely, we showed better intent, better decision against spin. So yeah, it is a work in progress, but we are getting better definitely." said Vikram Rathour at the end of the 2nd T20I against England.

He explained that the pitches in Sri Lanka are not very conducive to batting, which is why batters often struggle to hit big boundaries. However, the coach emphasized that the team could focus on hitting more fours by improving their shot selection.

"I would say the surfaces here are not that conducive to power hitting as well. Especially when you play in Colombo, it is not an easy surface to hit sixes because it is pretty slow and the ball does not come on to the bat.” said Vikram Rathour.

"I think there are two components to T20 batting. One is power hitting of course… the other component, or as important a component, is range as a batting unit. I think that is where Sri Lanka can excel.” added Vikram Rathour.

He then praised the bowling unit of Sri Lanka, saying the team has a very good attack comprising specialist T20 bowlers.

"I think we have got really good bowling attack, three or four bowlers who are really good bowlers in T20 cricket. So, because the batting hasn't been doing well, so I think we want to have that cushion of one extra batter, and with Dasun [Shanaka] there, and a couple of guys who can bowl spin, I think we are well placed, even with four bowlers.” said Vikram Rathour.