Former Indian fielding coach R. Sridhar has recently taken on a new role as the assistant coach of the Afghanistan national cricket team. This decision comes after an impressive seven-year tenure with Team India, which ended in 2021 when Rahul Dravid was appointed as the head coach. Sridhar, known for his expertise in fielding, has joined Afghanistan Cricket Board and is set to assist head coach Jonathan Trott during the upcoming international series.
Sridhar’s Journey with Team India
R. Sridhar served as India’s fielding coach from 2014 to 2021. His journey began during the England series in 2014, where he was initially appointed as the fielding coach by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Following a successful tenure, the BCCI extended his contract, and he became an integral part of Ravi Shastri’s support staff, contributing significantly to India’s fielding standards.
Coaching Career Before Team India
Before joining the Indian side, Sridhar was actively involved in coaching at various youth levels. He coached the under-19 and under-16 teams for Hyderabad before being associated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. In February 2014, he was appointed the assistant coach for India’s under-19 World Cup team. He also held the position of fielding coach for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kings XI Punjab, and coached the Andhra and Tripura cricket teams.
Transition to Afghanistan Cricket
After parting ways with Team India three years ago, R. Sridhar has accepted an offer from Afghanistan’s cricket board. He will play a crucial role in preparing the Afghanistan team for their upcoming series against New Zealand and South Africa. The Afghanistan team is scheduled to play one Test match against New Zealand on September 9 in Noida, India, followed by a three-match ODI series against South Africa starting September 18 in Sharjah.
Potential for Extended Tenure
Currently, Sridhar’s contract with Afghanistan Cricket Board is set for just two series. However, there is a possibility of extension, depending on the team’s needs and performance. At 54 years old, Sridhar has a wealth of experience, having played 35 first-class matches for India during the 1990s, amassing 574 runs and taking 91 wickets. His extensive cricketing background and coaching experience will undoubtedly benefit Afghanistan’s squad considerably.
Conclusion
R. Sridhar’s appointment as the assistant coach for Afghanistan marks a significant step in his coaching career. His vast experience and expertise in fielding will be invaluable for the Afghan team as they aim to enhance their performance on the international stage. Fans and cricket enthusiasts will be eager to see how he influences the team and contributes to their preparations for the upcoming matches.
