R Sridhar Appointed Sri Lanka Fielding Coach Until T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has bolstered its coaching staff ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by appointing experienced Indian coach R. Sridhar as the national team’s fielding coach. His tenure will run from December 11, 2025, until the conclusion of the marquee tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 9, 2026. So let’s know about R Sridhar appointed Sri Lanka fielding coach.

Strategic Move Ahead of Home World Cup

Traditionally renowned for their agility and sharp fielding, Sri Lanka have shown flashes of brilliance in recent years but have struggled to maintain consistency. With the T20 World Cup approaching rapidly and being staged at home, SLC has opted for a short-term yet impactful appointment to address this key area.

Sridhar’s role is expected to bring immediate improvements through focused planning and high-intensity fielding programs.

Sridhar’s Vast International Experience

A BCCI Level 3 qualified coach, Sridhar carries a wealth of experience at the highest level. He previously served as India’s men’s team fielding coach from 2014 to 2021, a period during which India played over 300 international matches across formats. More recently, he worked as a consultant with Afghanistan, further enhancing his global coaching exposure.

Immediate Integration Into Sri Lanka Setup

Sridhar will quickly become part of Sri Lanka’s existing coaching unit and is set to play a role in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan and England. Although his contract spans only three months, it has been structured to deliver quick, measurable gains through targeted drills and match-specific training routines.

Familiar Face in Sri Lankan Cricket

Notably, Sridhar is no stranger to Sri Lankan cricket. Earlier this year, he conducted a 10-day specialised fielding camp at the National High Performance Centre. This prior engagement has helped him gain familiarity with the players, facilities, and overall cricketing culture in the country.

“My Role Is to Nurture, Not Impose” – Sridhar

Speaking after his appointment, Sridhar emphasised a collaborative coaching philosophy, highlighting Sri Lanka’s natural strengths in the field.

“Sri Lankan players have always stood for instinctive brilliance, resilience, and collective spirit. My role is not to impose a system, but to nurture an environment where athleticism, awareness, and pride in the field can grow naturally,” Sridhar said in an official SLC release.

He further stressed the importance of game-like learning environments to enhance traditional Sri Lankan attributes such as quick reflexes, sharp hands, and fearless intent.

Coaching Group for T20 World Cup 2026

The 55-year-old joins a well-rounded coaching setup that includes Julian Wood, spin specialist Rene Ferdinands, and former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya, who continues in his role as head coach.

With the World Cup just months away, Sri Lanka will hope Sridhar’s expertise helps sharpen their fielding standards and provides a crucial edge on home soil.

DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP

DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP