R Sridhar has been named Sri Lanka’s men’s fielding coach through to the end of the T20 World Cup, scheduled from February 7 to March 8. Sridhar brings extensive experience to the role, having served as the senior fielding coach of the India men’s team between 2014 and 2021.
A Level 3 BCCI-certified coach, Sridhar is no stranger to Sri Lankan cricket. He conducted a 10-day fielding programme for the country’s leading squads in Colombo in May last year, laying groundwork that now extends into a formal appointment.
Speaking after his confirmation on Wednesday, Sridhar emphasised a philosophy rooted in enhancement rather than overhaul. “Sri Lankan players have always stood for instinctive brilliance, resilience, and collective spirit,” he said. “My role is not to impose a system, but to create an environment where athleticism, awareness, and pride in the field can develop naturally.
“Sri Lanka’s traditional strengths — quick hands, sharp reflexes, and fearless intent — can be taken further by building realistic, game-like learning environments.”
Sridhar’s arrival forms part of a modest reshaping of Sri Lanka’s men’s coaching setup. In October, Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands were appointed batting coach and spin-bowling coach respectively, following a disappointing Asia Cup campaign and tour of Pakistan, during which fielding lapses were a recurring concern.
According to Sri Lanka Cricket, Sridhar’s role is already underway. He will work with the squad during upcoming series against Pakistan and England as part of the build-up to the T20 World Cup.
