Afghanistan appoint R Sridhar as assistant coach

Afghanistan have added veteran Indian coach R Sridhar to their coaching staff for the upcoming matches against New Zealand and South Africa.

Sridhar will join Jonathan Trott's team as assistant coach for the upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida, in India, and the three-match ODI series against South Africa.

The 54-year-old made a name for himself as a left-arm spinner, playing 35 first-class and 15 List A matches for Hyderabad, taking over 100 wickets in those appearances.

However, Sridhar has made the biggest contribution as a coach, having recently been part of India's coaching staff for two ICC Men's Cricket World Cups and two ICC Men's T20 World Cups. He was also India’s fielding coach on the two successful tours of Australia.

“Afghanistan are hoping the short-term coaching deal with Sridhar will turn into an even longer arrangement,” said a statement from International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed hope that Sridhar will bring in positive results for the team.

“It is worth mentioning that the Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed Sridhar as the assistant coach for the one-off Test against New Zealand and the 3-match ODI series against South Africa. The Afghanistan Cricket Board wish Sridhar fills the role effectively and hope to have long term contract with him in the future,” said a statement from the ACB.

Afghanistan cricket, R Sridhar, New Zealand, Greater Noida, South Africa