Former India all-rounder quits as Australia's coach to focus on Royal Challengers Bangalore

Former India all-rounder Sridharan Sriram has quit as the assistant coach of the Australian cricket team to focus on IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Sridharan was associated with Australia for a long time and mainly worked with the spin department.

With New Zealand legend Daniel Vettori now also part of Australia's set-up, Sridharan has decided to part ways with Australia. As per ESPNcricinfo, Vettori is now Australia's full-time bowling coach. He was with the Pat Cummins-led side on its recent tour of Sri Lanka.

"After being on the road for six years it's with a heavy heart I have decided to move on from my current role as an assistant coach of the Australian men's team. I feel this is an opportune moment keeping in mind the team, giving them enough time to prepare for two World Cups and the World Test Championship. It has been a great experience for me working across formats, World Cups and Ashes and I have come out incredibly richer in knowledge," Sridharan has said in a statement, as per ESPNcricinfo.

"I am extremely grateful to Cricket Australia for all their support in the years that I have been involved with them. I would like to thank my head coaches Darren Lehmann, Justin Langer and Andrew McDonald and my captains Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Aaron Finch and Pat Cummins who all believed in me."

The Australian spinner excelled under Sridharan's guidance and the likes of Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Agar and others did well for the team.

Sridharan, who played 8 ODIs for India between 2000 to 2004, had joined RCB's coaching staff after IPL 2019 as the franchise's batting and spin bowling coach. Mike Hesson is the director of cricket of RCB.

The Bengaluru-based franchise made it to the 2nd round of IPL 2020, 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Faf du Plessis replaced Virat Kohli as RCB's captain. Apart from RCB, Sridharan has also worked with Delhi Capitals.