Sri Lanka Cricket has officially brought on board the experienced R. Sridhar as the national team's new fielding coach. The board confirmed that his tenure commenced on December 11 and is set to continue until the conclusion of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2026.
A Wealth of International Experience
Sridhar is a highly qualified BCCI Level 3 coach with a formidable track record at the highest level. He served as the fielding coach for the Indian national team for seven years, from 2014 to 2021. During this period, he was part of the support staff for over 300 international matches, including two ODI World Cups and two T20 World Cups, bringing a treasure trove of big-tournament experience to his new role.
Mission: Elevating Sri Lanka's Fielding Prowess
In his new position, Sridhar's primary focus will be to uplift the overall fielding standards of the Sri Lankan team. His immediate schedule involves working closely with the squad during their upcoming tours of Pakistan and England. Following these assignments, the focus will shift entirely to preparations for the marquee T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Expressing his thoughts on the appointment, Sridhar acknowledged the natural talent and fighting spirit inherent in Sri Lankan cricketers. He emphasized that his philosophy is not about imposing strict systems but about fostering the right environment. His goal is to allow the players' innate athleticism, game awareness, and pride in fielding to flourish organically.
Familiar Territory and a Proven Approach
This role marks a return to familiar grounds for Sridhar. Earlier this year, in May, he conducted a specialized 10-day fielding camp at the Sri Lanka Cricket National High Performance Centre. The camp, which started with the men's national team and expanded to other squads, featured intensive drills, skill sessions, and realistic match simulations.
During this camp, Sridhar collaborated extensively with national, high-performance, and club coaches. He stressed the critical importance of connection and realism in fielding practice. Sridhar believes that Sri Lanka's traditional strengths—such as quick hands, sharp reflexes, and fearless intent—can be elevated to new heights through training that closely replicates actual match pressure and scenarios.
Prior to this Sri Lankan stint, Sridhar also had a brief coaching engagement with the Afghanistan team in 2023, serving as assistant coach for their one-off Test against New Zealand and an ODI series against South Africa.
With his contract running through March 10, 2026, just after the T20 World Cup final, Sridhar has a clear mandate: to transform the Sri Lankan fielding unit into a world-class asset ahead of the global tournament on home and Indian soil.
