In a massive development, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named Julian Wood as the new batting coach and Rene Ferdinands as the spin bowling coach following the team's Asia Cup 2025 exit in the Super 4s stage. Wood takes over from Thilina Kandamby, who was the batting coach since December 2023. Meanwhile, Ferdinands has replaced Piyal Wijetunge, who had been with the team since 2006.
Notably, Wood has signed a one-year contract with Sri Lanka. Known to transform white-ball teams with his immaculate power-hitting techniques, the coach has previously been associated with the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). He was also in the coaching capacity with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL, as well as Hampshire, Gloucestershire, and Middlesex.
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"He [Wood] brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Gloucestershire CCC, Hampshire CCC, Middlesex CCC, and IPL franchise Punjab Kings, among others," stated an SLC media release.
SLC confident appointment of Rene Ferdinands will bring positive results
On the other hand, Ferdinands has signed a two-year deal with SLC to oversee the team's spin-bowling development. He was previously linked with as a biomechanics consultant for New Zealand Cricket. Along with this, he has also served as a performance evaluator and injury prevention programme at the BCCI's National Cricket Academy.
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"Holding a PhD in biomechanics from the University of Waikato, Ferdinands brings extensive expertise in applying science to enhance cricket performance," an SLC statement said. He has previously worked at the BCCI's National Cricket Academy, "delivering biomechanics-based coaching programmes for elite players and coaches".
Notably, it is crucial to note that Sri Lanka has made these changes after the T20I series loss to Bangladesh, followed Asia Cup 2025 exit, wherein they were two times beaten twice by arch-rivals Bangladesh.
