Sridhar gears up for Andhra challenge

Hyderabad: July of this year will mark a momentous milestone in the career of Ramakrishnan Sridhar because it is poised for an upswing that is likely to enhance his stature by several notches.

Precisely ten days before he turns 45 (July 16), R Sridhar received a befitting recognition to his proven track-record as a coach when the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) hired him as the head coach of their Ranji squad on an initial two-year stint.

‘I am delighted with the offer, which I intend taking up tentatively on August 1,’ exulted the humble former left-arm spinner, who has played 35 first-class matches for Hyderabad apart from representing South Zone in his playing days that spanned all of a dozen years.

He is among the best known names doing the rounds in the country, particularly in the crucial department of fielding, of which he is a qualified exponent.

It has been a remarkable year for Sridhar. His innovations bore fruit in the seventh edition of IPL when, in his first year as the fielding coach, he played an integral part in Kings XI Punjab’s incredible runner-up showing.

“I am honoured to be a part of KXIP and now ACA. Like the IPL outfit, the Andhra squad has the perfect blend of young, talented and experienced players. I am keen to bring in a new dynamism into the team as it prepares for the grueling Ranji season," said Sridhar.

Although, he has been into coaching since 2001, the 13-year-wait has been worth the effort as Andhra provides the ideal platform for him to take up his first job as a full-time head coach In his halcyon days, Sridhar has taken 91 wickets while in 15 List A matches he accounted for 14 scalps.

‘I am sure the boys will be open to my ideas, which will be more focused on getting battle-ready and developing a winning spirit that stems from the ‘we can do’ mindset. My immediate aim would be to imbibe qualities that can help go past Plate stage,’ points out the Mysore-born Hyderabad native.

Sridhar said the team was capable of achieving greater heights. “Andhra has a bright future ahead of them. I will have an opportunity to motivate this bunch into proven materials.” He is right now keeping his fingers crossed as would one making a debut as he celebrates his 45th birthday on Wednesday.