Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made a bold move to elevate its fielding standards by appointing renowned former India fielding coach R Sridhar for a specialised 10-day stint. Starting May 7, 2025, Sridhar’s expertise will be at the heart of a comprehensive fielding program designed to benefit not just the national teams, but also emerging and club-level players across the country.
R Sridhar’s Mission: Raising the Bar in Sri Lankan Fielding
R Sridhar, a BCCI Level 3 certified coach with a stellar reputation, is no stranger to transforming fielding units. During his tenure with the Indian national team from 2014 to 2021, he played a pivotal role in revolutionising India’s fielding standards, overseeing more than 300 international matches. His recent roles include a short spell as Afghanistan’s assistant coach and fielding coach positions in the IPL and with India’s U19 sides.
Key Details of the 10-Day Fielding Program
Start Date: May 7, 2025
Duration: 10 days
Participants:
- Men’s and women’s national squads
- Emerging squads
- Premier Club players
- National U19 team
- Women’s ‘A’ team
Focus Areas:
- High-intensity fielding drills
- Skill-specific training
- Simulated match scenarios to replicate real-game pressure
- Knowledge transfer to local coaches
Sridhar will kick off the camp with the men’s national team before extending his expertise to other squads. He will collaborate closely with coaches from the National, High Performance, and Club setups, ensuring that his methods and insights benefit the wider Sri Lankan cricket ecosystem.
Why Sri Lanka Sought Sridhar’s Expertise
Sri Lanka Cricket’s decision to rope in Sridhar is part of a broader push to instill world-class fielding techniques and high-performance standards throughout its domestic and national structure. Fielding has often been a differentiator in tight matches, and SLC’s proactive approach signals a renewed focus on athleticism and professionalism.
What Makes Sridhar Stand Out?
- Experience with elite teams: Over 300 matches with India, plus stints in Afghanistan and IPL
- Proven results: Widely credited with raising India’s fielding to world-class levels
- Holistic approach: Emphasizes both technical skill and match-simulation exercises
- Coach development: Works with local coaches for long-term impact
What to Expect from the Camp
Players and coaches can look forward to:
- Intense fielding drills that challenge agility and reflexes
- Position-specific skill development
- Realistic match scenarios to build pressure-handling skills
- Workshops for coaches to ensure sustainability of new techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is leading the new fielding camp for Sri Lanka Cricket?
R Sridhar, former India fielding coach, is heading the 10-day camp.
Q2: Which teams and players will participate in the program?
The camp includes men’s and women’s national teams, Emerging squads, Premier Club players, the National U19 team, and the Women’s ‘A’ team.
Q3: What is the main goal of Sridhar’s short-term deal with Sri Lanka?
The primary aim is to elevate fielding standards and transfer world-class techniques to Sri Lankan players and coaches.
Q4: How long will the fielding program last?
The program is scheduled for 10 days, beginning May 7, 2025.
Q5: Has R Sridhar worked with other international teams before?
Yes, Sridhar has previously coached India, Afghanistan, and IPL franchises, and has experience with India’s U19 teams.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s move to bring in R Sridhar on a short-term deal is a strategic step towards raising their fielding standards and overall competitiveness. With Sridhar’s proven track record and hands-on approach, players across all levels will gain valuable skills and insights. This initiative not only promises immediate improvements but also sets the stage for long-term development in Sri Lankan cricket.