Rathour, Shankar Join Ashwin at Dublin Guardians in ETPL
Dublin Guardians Sign Vijay Shankar and Appoint Vikram Rathour as Head Coach

RATHOUR COACHES DUBLIN GUARDIANS
Illustration concept: A dynamic digital illustration of a cricket stadium in Dublin under floodlights, showing a cricket bat and ball on bright green turf with blue and gold Dublin Guardians team banners.
AI summary
Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has been named head coach of Dublin Guardians for the upcoming ETPL season. Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar is set to link up with spinner Ravichandran Ashwin at the franchise.
Why this matters
The addition of prominent coaching talent and international players boosts the profile of Dublin Guardians in the ETPL. Uniting established international names creates strong core experience for the squad while signaling high ambitions for the franchise in European T20 cricket.
Key takeaways
- Vikram Rathour appointed head coach of ETPL franchise Dublin Guardians.
- Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar signs with Dublin Guardians.
- Shankar will team up with veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
- The franchise builds an experienced core ahead of the upcoming ETPL campaign.
Dublin Guardians have appointed former India national team batting coach Vikram Rathour as their head coach for the upcoming ETPL season, according to reports from ESPNcricinfo. The strategic appointment marks a major coaching addition for the franchise as it finalizes its backroom staff.
In addition to the coaching overhaul, Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has signed with Dublin Guardians. His arrival means he will link up with veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was previously secured by the team.
Rathour brings extensive high-level coaching experience to Dublin, having previously served as the batting coach for the Indian men's national side across formats. His leadership behind the scenes is expected to play a crucial role in structuring the franchise's tactical strategy and overall player development.
Shankar's inclusion strengthens the team's middle-order batting while providing an extra seam-bowling option. Teaming up with Ashwin gives the squad two seasoned international cricketers capable of steering the side through pressure situations.
The double move highlights Dublin Guardians' intent to build a competitive setup with international pedigree as preparations for the new ETPL campaign gather momentum.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is the new head coach of Dublin Guardians?
- Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has been appointed head coach of Dublin Guardians.
- Which players are joining forces at Dublin Guardians?
- All-rounder Vijay Shankar will join off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin at the ETPL franchise.
- Where was this ETPL update reported?
- The developments regarding Dublin Guardians were reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- ESPNcricinfo
- Original publication:
- Aug 14, 2026, 4:05 PM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 14, 2026, 4:05 PM
- Updated:
- Aug 14, 2026, 4:34 PM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
Related stories

RATHOUR LEADS DUBLIN GUARDIANS
Vikram Rathour Appointed Head Coach of Dublin Guardians
AI summaryDublin Guardians have appointed former Indian national team batting coach Vikram Rathour as their new head coach, according to ESPNcricinfo. The squad has also bolstered its lineup by acquiring all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who will join veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

PADIKKAL SCORES MAIDEN CENTURY
Padikkal Hits Maiden Century as India Reach 288-2 on Rain-Hit Day
AI summaryIndia finished a rain-affected day of play at 288 for 2, driven by an unbeaten 131 from new number three batter Padikkal. KL Rahul contributed 77 runs before retiring hurt, leaving India in a strong overall position despite weather disruptions.

KINGS STUN FALCONS IN THRILLER
Forde Leads Kings to Victory Against Falcons in Rain Hit Match
AI summaryKings secured a dramatic win over Falcons after recovering from a severe collapse in a rain-curtailed match. Driven by an all-round effort from Forde, Kings successfully chased down their revised target of 52 runs.

AZHAR ALI ON TEST SLUMP
Azhar Ali Links Pakistan Test Decline to Departmental Cricket Rules
AI summaryFormer Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has blamed the decline of departmental cricket for the national team's recent struggles in Test cricket. He described the departmental setup as the primary nursery for developing domestic talent in the country.