R. Sridhar to Lead Sri Lanka's Fielding Overhaul | SLC Fielding Program 2025

Sri Lanka Cricket Taps R. Sridhar to Revamp Fielding Standards Across National Programs

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing on-field excellence, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has brought on board former India national team fielding coach R. Sridhar for a specialized 10-day high-performance fielding program. Starting May 7, the initiative will focus on upskilling players across various Sri Lankan squads, marking a key investment in raising fielding standards to international benchmarks.

R. Sridhar's Expertise Set to Impact All Levels of Sri Lankan Cricket

R. Sridhar's reputation as a master fielding tactician precedes him. The BCCI Level 3 certified coach was a vital part of the Indian setup from 2014 to 2021, contributing to one of the sharpest fielding units in the game. His tenure included more than 300 international matches where India transformed into one of the most agile and efficient fielding sides globally. Bringing this expertise to Sri Lanka, Sridhar is expected to replicate similar fielding philosophies customized for the island nation.

What sets this initiative apart is its broad scope. The program will not be limited to the senior men’s national team but will extend to the women’s national and A teams, the Under-19 team, emerging squads, and players from the domestic Premier Club circuit. This inclusive design ensures that the benefits of Sridhar’s methodologies will filter through the grassroots up to the elite levels.

A Structured Approach to Fielding Development

The training plan devised by SLC and Sridhar will include detailed fielding drills, situational awareness exercises, reaction time enhancement, and match-simulation scenarios. Players will be exposed to modern fielding techniques that emphasize anticipation, athleticism, and communication skills that are becoming increasingly non-negotiable in limited-overs cricket.

Moreover, Sridhar is expected to collaborate closely with national and high-performance coaches to create a sustainable development model. The goal is to equip coaches across levels with updated fielding drills and evaluation tools, ensuring long-term impact beyond the 10-day program.

SLC's Vision: Laying the Groundwork for a Fielding Renaissance

This move by Sri Lanka Cricket signals a serious commitment to match-winning fielding—an area historically seen as inconsistent in Sri Lankan cricket. By investing in someone of Sridhar’s caliber, SLC is not only looking to fix a short-term issue but attempting to instill a cultural shift in how fielding is prioritized.

In recent years, Sri Lanka has produced several world-class batters and bowlers, but fielding has often been the missing piece in their campaign puzzles. Sloppy ground fielding, missed run-outs, and dropped catches have cost them dearly, particularly in pressure moments. SLC's decision to bring in a specialist is therefore both timely and necessary.

A Model Worth Emulating

India's fielding success under Sridhar’s guidance has been well documented. Names like Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul blossomed into elite fielders, contributing directly to key victories through their athleticism and precision. If Sridhar can implant a similar culture of excellence in Sri Lanka’s cricketing fabric, the national team could see significant uplift not just in defensive statistics but also in overall morale and energy levels.

SLC has confirmed that Sridhar will initially begin with the men’s national team and then rotate his focus to the other squads over the course of his stay. Each day will be purpose-driven, ensuring players from all age groups and gender divisions gain tailored insights.

As cricket continues to evolve into a format where fielding often determines the difference between winning and losing, Sri Lanka’s initiative to rope in a globally respected specialist could prove a game-changer.