Name Hindi: विक्रम राठौड़ / Gender Man
Vikram Rathour – A Prominent Cricketer From India
Vikram Rathour, a former right-hand batsman, is one of the most revered figures in Indian cricket history. He was born on March 26, 1969, in Jalandhar, Punjab. Rathour’s domination in domestic cricket ultimately paved the way for his selection into the National team.
Early Life and Domestic Career
Born into a family that advocated sporting tradition, it wasn’t surprising when Vikram developed an affinity towards cricket at an early age. His first stint at professional cricket saw him playing for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy competition; a prestigious domestic tournament. Through sheer determination and raw talent, he made quite an impact in his initial years with more than 7900 runs to his name by the time he retired.
- Rathour’s consistent run-getting abilities elevated him to captainship of the Punjab team where under his guidance they clinched their maiden Ranji title during the 1992-93 season.
- In addition to this, he has seven double centuries credited to his account when he played for Himachal Pradesh, enforcing his mettle as a solid middle-order batsman.
National Call-up
The apex of his career came when he earned a spot on the national squad due to his exceptional performances at the domestic level. Debuting against England in January 1996 was monumental for both Rathour and Indian cricket as hopes were high for this newcomer displaying impressive skill-set.
- He amassed only 131 runs from six Test matches which eventually resulted in losing favor among selectors. Despite performing below par internationally, few can deny his prowess witnessed distinctly within domestic realms.
Batting Style and Strengths
Rathour was always recognized for his fearsome batting. His style complemented the classic Test cricket format, with impeccable technique and rigorous patience being his key strengths on the pitch. Apart from this, he excelled at playing spinners; a trait that earned him respect even among seasoned bowlers in domestic circuits.
The Coaching Stint
Vikram’s association with cricket didn’t end with his retirement. He assumed roles in administrative departments of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association after moving back to his home state post-retirement and also served as part of selection panel at national level.
- In August 2019, Vikram Rathour was named the Indian team’s batting coach, replacing Sanjay Bangar. Under his guidance, few of India’s promising talents have been nurtured which includes notable names such as Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw.
All in all,
Despite battling shortcomings during his international career, Vikram Rathour’s contribution to Indian cricket remains pivotal. Today, through coaching, Rathour continues to give back to the sport that made him who he is – a beacon for young players eager to embrace the gentlemen’s game.
