Full name Bapu Krishnarao Venkatesh Prasad

Born August 5, 1969, Bangalore, Karnataka

Current age 39 years 338 days

Major teams India, Karnataka

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm medium-fast

As the new ball partner of statemate Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad was an important member of the Indian team from his debut in 1996 until he was passed over in 2001. Tall and proportionally built, Prasad's great strength is that he could move the ball both ways. A deceptive slower ball also proved an useful weapon. Not surprisingly, Venky achieved better figures in more helpful conditions abroad than at home, where the slow, bald tracks did not encouraged his mode of attack. Yet, paradoxically enough, his most devastating spell came at Chennai where, in the first Test in January 1999, he brought Pakistan's second innings to a swift end with figures of 6 for 33, which included a spell of 5 for 0. A calm, unruffled team man, Prasad's effective seam bowling was also invaluable to the country in the shorter version of the game. Following retirement, he took to coaching, training the Under-19 side and later taking over as coach of his state side Karnataka. He was appointed India's bowling coach for the tour of Bangladesh in May 2007. Prasad has received praise from various members of the Indian squad and his work with India's promising new-ball pair, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, has been successful. As bowling coach for the Indian team, Prasad was involved in feats he did not taste during his playing career - Test series wins in England and New Zealand. He also worked as bowling coach for the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.
Cricinfo staff

Jun 24, 2009

Venkatesh Prasad gives some advice to RP Singh

© Associated Press

May 31, 2009

Pragyan Ojha, Venkatesh Prasad and Ishant Sharma share a light moment during India's practice session

© Associated Press

Nov 13, 2008

Andrew Flintoff makes his views clear to Venkatesh Prasad

© AFP

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