Venkatesh Prasad to take up ACC assignment

Venkatesh Prasad, the former India fast bowler, will be involved with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in promoting cricket in the region. Based on a recommendation from the BCCI, Prasad will travel to lesser-known cricket-playing countries in Asia to identify and groom young talent.

"I have to create proper infrastructure by guiding the local associations," Prasad told the Hindu. "It means I have to spot talent and also ensure they have a proper coaching staff to carry on the grooming process."

Prasad, who started coaching after retiring in 2004, has coached the India Under-17 team, the Karnataka Ranji team and was the bowling coach of the national side for two years. He is currently the bowling coach with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Prasad said he would spend more time with the coaches in the region to ensure the programmes are run professionally.

"I will study the training and coaching programmes and then make the necessary recommendations. I will be conducting coaching seminars and organising competitions."

Prasad, 41, was among the first Indian cricketers to secure a Level III coaching certificate from England. "It has helped me stay in touch with the game. I firmly believe in modern training methods but not at the cost of the basics. The basics remain the same, only your mindset changes."

Prasad played 33 Tests for India and took 96 wickets as well as 196 ODI wickets in 161 games. He will travel to Malaysia on December 1 to begin his ACC assignment.