In a significant development, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has appointed India’s Ramakrishnan Sridhar as their men’s team assistant coach for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Sridhar, a seasoned cricket coach and former player, will lend his expertise to the Afghan side as they gear up for this highly anticipated international tour.
Afghanistan’s new assistant coach
Sridhar, 54, served as the fielding coach for the Indian cricket team from August 2014 to November 2021, during which India made remarkable strides in their fielding and overall team performance. His appointment is expected to bolster Afghanistan’s coaching setup, and the ACB hinted at the potential for a long-term engagement with Sridhar beyond the upcoming series.
Sridhar, a former left-arm spinner who played for Hyderabad in India’s domestic circuit, is recognized for his deep understanding of the game and his proven coaching skills. His experience will be a crucial asset as Afghanistan seeks to strengthen its position in international cricket.
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On Wednesday, the ACB announced Sridhar’s appointment on X (formerly known as Twitter), with the message. Sridhar’s arrival is expected to provide Afghanistan with invaluable coaching experience and tactical insight, especially in fielding and overall strategy.
“ACB name R. Sridhar as National Team’s Asst. Coach for New Zealand and South Africa Fixtures,” ACB wrote on X.
This series, scheduled in India, promises to be an exciting contest. After the New Zealand tour, Afghanistan will shift focus to their forthcoming series against South Africa, adding another layer of challenge for the Afghan side as they aim to make their mark on the global stage.
Historic Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test
The Afghanistan vs New Zealand series will kick off on September 9, 2024. It will feature a solitary Test match and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Notably, this will be the first time the two teams will meet in the red-ball format, marking a historic moment for Afghanistan cricket. The Greater Noida Sports Complex ground, which has previously served as Afghanistan’s adopted home venue, will host its first-ever Test match during this series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and several former Indian players have consistently supported the growth of Afghan cricket, contributing to its rise on the international scene. Sridhar’s appointment is seen as another step in fostering this relationship, further enhancing Afghanistan’s cricketing prowess.
