Is Ex-India Fielding Coach R Sridhar Set to Transform Sri Lankan Cricketers?
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Synopsis
Exciting news for cricket enthusiasts! Former India fielding coach R Sridhar is set to lead a specialized 10-day program in Sri Lanka aimed at enhancing the fielding skills of both men's and women's teams. Will this initiative elevate Sri Lanka's cricketing prowess to new heights?
Key Takeaways
- Intensive 10-day training for Sri Lanka's national squads.
- Focus on skill-specific drills to enhance fielding performance.
- Collaboration with experienced coaches to boost team standards.
- Involvement of various levels, including U19 and Women's teams.
- Continuing the tradition of inviting foreign expertise for skill development.
Colombo, May 6 (NationPress) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially revealed that R Sridhar, the former fielding coach of India, will lead an intensive 10-day fielding initiative designed for both the men’s and women’s national teams to enhance their fielding capabilities.
The specialized program is slated to kick off on May 7 and will include the men’s and women’s national teams, emerging squads, premier club players, the National U19 team, and the Women’s ‘A’ team.
Sridhar will initiate the program with the Sri Lanka National Men’s team before proceeding to train other groups. His training will encompass fielding drills, skill-specific training, and simulated match scenarios to mimic real game conditions.
Throughout his 10-day engagement at Sri Lanka Cricket, he will collaborate closely with national, high-performance, and club coaches.
A former left-arm spinner, Sridhar played for Hyderabad during the 1990s in the Indian domestic circuit. He embarked on his coaching journey in 2001, working at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and leading the India Under-19s during the 2014 World Cup. His experience also includes a role as the spin bowling coach for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the IPL, before his extensive tenure with India’s senior team.
As a BCCI Level 3 qualified coach, Sridhar held the position of India’s fielding coach in over 300 international matches from 2014 to 2021, which featured two editions each of the ODI and T20I World Cups.
Recently, he was appointed as the assistant coach for the Afghanistan men’s cricket team, assisting in their one-off Test match against New Zealand in Noida and a three-match ODI series versus South Africa in September.
This is not the first time that SLC has enlisted foreign coaches for short training programs. In 2024, they invited Zubin Bharucha, the high-performance director of Rajasthan Royals, to enhance batting skills. Previous collaborations included former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram for a brief bowling program and ex-South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes for fielding training.
Point of View
I firmly believe that Sri Lanka's cricketing future is bright with initiatives like this. The collaboration with experienced coaches like R Sridhar not only enhances player skills but also enriches the overall cricketing culture in the nation. It’s a step towards building a stronger and more competitive team on the international stage.
NationPress
06/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of R Sridhar's program?
The program aims to enhance the fielding capabilities of Sri Lanka's men’s and women’s national teams, improving their overall performance.
When does the program start?
The specialized fielding program is scheduled to commence on May 7.
Who will participate in the program?
The program will involve the men’s and women’s national squads, emerging squads, premier club players, the National U19 team, and the Women’s ‘A’ team.
What is R Sridhar's coaching background?
R Sridhar is a BCCI Level 3 qualified coach with vast experience, having served as India's fielding coach for over 300 international matches.
Has Sri Lanka Cricket invited foreign coaches before?
Yes, SLC has previously invited renowned coaches like Zubin Bharucha and Wasim Akram for short training programs.
