R Sridhar appointed as Sri Lanka fielding coach until 2026 T20 World Cup

R Sridhar appointed as Sri Lanka fielding coach until 2026 T20 World Cup

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

Strategic step forward for the World Cup at home

Traditionally known 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 fast approaching and being held at home, SLC has opted for a short-term yet impactful appointment to address this important area.

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

Sridhar’s extensive international experience

Sridhar is a BCCI Level 3 qualified coach and has a wealth of experience at the highest level. He previously served as the fielding coach of the Indian men’s team 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 increasing his global coaching exposure.

Immediate integration into the Sri Lanka installation

Sridhar will soon become part of Sri Lanka’s existing coaching unit and will feature in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan and England. Although his contract is only for three months, it is structured to deliver quick, measurable gains through targeted exercises and competition-specific training routines.

Well-known face in Sri Lankan cricket

It is notable that Sridhar is no stranger to Sri Lankan cricket. Earlier this year he conducted a ten-day specialized field camp at the National High Performance Centre. This previous involvement has helped him become familiar with the players, facilities and general cricket culture in the country.

“My role is to nurture, not to impose” – Sridhar

Following his appointment, Sridhar emphasized a philosophy of collaborative coaching, highlighting Sri Lanka’s natural strengths in this area.

“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 on the field can grow naturally,” Sridhar said in an official SLC release.

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

Coaching group for T20 World Cup 2026

The 55-year-old joins a well-rounded coaching line-up 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 a few months away, Sri Lanka will hope that Sridhar’s expertise will help raise the fielding standards and provide a crucial edge on home soil.

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