Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday, December 17, appointed R. Sridhar as the fielding coach of the national men’s team until the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. The former India coach will also join Sri Lanka’s coaching staff for the upcoming series against England and Pakistan.

Sridhar brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as India’s fielding coach for seven years between 2014 and 2021. During this period, he participated in more than 300 international competitions in various formats. The former Hyderabad cricketer also worked as an advisor to the Afghanistan cricket team.

Sri Lanka Cricket hires R. Sridhar for 2026 T20 World Cup

The Sri Lanka Cricket Association said Sridhar will strengthen the squad in preparation for the upcoming global tournament. The board noted that he is a BCCI Level 3 coach with vast experience.

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“R Sridhar is a BCCI level 3 qualified coach and served as the fielding coach of the Indian national men’s team from 2014 to 2021 and has played more than 300 international matches,” SLC said in an official release.

Sridhar has become familiar with the Sri Lankan setup after a dedicated 10-day training camp at the National High Performance Center earlier this year. He will join the coaching staff from December 11 until the end of the T20 World Cup in March 2026.

During this period, he will oversee Sri Lanka’s series against England and Pakistan, as well as the World Cup.

Sri Lankan players have always represented instinctive talent – R. Sridhar

Sridhar said he will focus on building confidence and natural defensive strengths rather than a rigid approach. Sridhar emphasized that he will create a positive environment that encourages sportsmanship, awareness and pride.

Sridhar said in a statement released by SLC: “Sri Lankan players have always represented instinctive talent, resilience and collective spirit. My role is not to impose a system but to foster an environment where athleticism, awareness and pride on the field can grow naturally.”

Sri Lanka have strengthened their coaching lineup in recent months, hiring power-hitting Julian Wood and spin coach Rene Ferdinands. Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya remains as the team’s head coach.

Defenses thrive when players feel connected to the ball – R. Sridhar

Sridhar said strong defense comes from awareness, not just training. He said the natural strengths of Sri Lankan players, such as quick reactions and fearless intent, can be further improved by training in match-like situations, bringing the players closer to real match moments.

“Fielding thrives when players feel connected to the ball, to each other and to the moment. Sri Lanka’s traditional strengths of quick hands, sharp reflexes and fearless intent can be further enhanced by creating realistic, game-like learning environments,” Sridhar further added.

Sri Lanka are placed in Group B in the T20 World Cup where they will play Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. They will start the new season at home in Colombo, with their first game against Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

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