Has Sri Lanka Welcomed R. Sridhar as Their New Men's National Team Fielding Coach?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Sri Lanka Cricket has named R. Sridhar as their new men's national team fielding coach. With a rich history in international cricket, Sridhar aims to elevate the team's fielding standards as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. His expertise promises to enhance the players' athleticism and awareness on the field.
Key Takeaways
- R. Sridhar appointed as Sri Lanka men's national team fielding coach.
- His term lasts until March 10, post ICC T20 World Cup.
- He has significant experience with India's cricket team.
- Focus on improving fielding standards during upcoming tours.
- Sridhar emphasizes creating a nurturing environment for players.
Colombo, Dec 17 (NationPress) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially appointed R. Sridhar as the fielding coach for the national men’s team, with his tenure continuing until the end of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Effective from December 11, Sridhar’s role will conclude shortly after the T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka, on March 10.
Sridhar, a BCCI Level 3 certified coach, has a wealth of international experience, having served as India’s fielding coach for over 300 international matches between 2014 and 2021, which included participation in two editions each of the ODI and T20I World Cups.
In his new capacity, Sridhar aims to collaborate closely with the Sri Lankan team to enhance overall fielding quality, especially during the upcoming tours against Pakistan and England, leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
After his appointment, Sridhar remarked, “Sri Lankan players embody instinctive brilliance, resilience, and a collective spirit. My objective is not to enforce a rigid system but to cultivate an environment where athleticism, awareness, and pride in the field can flourish organically.”
This appointment represents a familiar return for Sridhar, who previously conducted a focused 10-day fielding camp at the Sri Lanka Cricket National High Performance Centre in May.
He initiated the program with the Sri Lanka National Men’s team and extended his training to other squads, focusing on fielding drills, specialized skill training, and simulated match conditions to mirror real-game scenarios.
During his 10-day engagement with Sri Lanka Cricket, Sridhar worked closely with national, high-performance, and club coaches.
“Fielding excels when players feel a connection to the ball, their teammates, and the moment. Sri Lanka’s traditional strengths—quick hands, sharp reflexes, and fearless intent—can be further enhanced by fostering realistic, game-like learning environments,” Sridhar emphasized.
Last year, he was appointed as the assistant coach for the Afghanistan men’s cricket team during their one-off Test against New Zealand in Noida and for the three-match ODI series against South Africa in September.
Point of View
The appointment of R. Sridhar as the fielding coach for Sri Lanka's cricket team is a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the squad's performance. His proven track record and innovative training methods could provide the necessary boost as the team prepares for upcoming international competitions. This decision reflects SLC's commitment to enhancing the team's capabilities and competitiveness on the global stage.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is R. Sridhar?
R. Sridhar is a BCCI Level 3 qualified coach with extensive experience as India's fielding coach, having managed over 300 international matches.
When does R. Sridhar's appointment end?
His tenure as fielding coach will conclude shortly after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, on March 10.
What are Sridhar's goals for the Sri Lankan team?
Sridhar aims to enhance overall fielding standards and create an environment that promotes athleticism and awareness among players.
What previous experience does Sridhar have with Sri Lanka Cricket?
Earlier this year, Sridhar conducted a specialized 10-day fielding camp at the Sri Lanka Cricket National High Performance Centre.
How can Sridhar's coaching impact the team?
His expertise in creating realistic training scenarios can significantly elevate the team's fielding skills and overall performance.
