CricTracker Exclusive: KPL announces all stars team- Venkatesh Prasad talks about his return to the field

CricTracker Exclusive: KPL announces all stars team- Venkatesh Prasad talks about his return to the field: Remember Venkatesh Prasad? Yes, the tall right arm pace bowler from India who was once the country’s leading seamer. What about Sunil Joshi? Do you recall about the former Indian spinner? Yes, the same guy who once held the best bowling figures by an Indian in an ODI. The stats read 5/6. Fancy watching them in action once again on the field?

It might well come true pretty soon as they have officially announced their return. Karnataka Premier League (KPL) which has been an exciting tournament for the last 6 years is just around the corner once again for its 7th season. Led by the Kannada Star Kichcha Sudeep, the All Stars Team which could not do very well, the last year has plans to make it big this season and have roped in these two big veteran names alongside David Johnson, the Indian pacer who played 2 tests for India in 1996. Well, we hope they make it big this year.

On Friday, the 3rd of July, 2015 CricTracker was there at the exclusive KPL press meet at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. While the environment there was all light and funny, Prasad and Joshi talked about their return to the field after so many years and how they felt about it.
Here are the excerpts:

Talking with Venkatesh Prasad

CT: How is it to return to the field after so long?

VP: It is really a big challenge (laughs). No seriously, it has been a long time since I last showed up on the field wearing a jersey. I am playing after a long time and it’s a new start altogether. I need to work a lot on my run-up again (laughs).

CT: So how do you feel about it?

VP: It really feels great and I will for sure be having a lot of fun. But yes again, it is a serious tournament and I will give my best to the team.

CT: What is your opinion about Rahul Dravid being appointed as the coach of the India U-19 team?

VP: Rahul is a great cricketer and his experience really does the talk. It will indeed be of great benefit for the younger players. But I still somehow feel the tag of a coach is not apt for him (smiles). He should rather be given the tag of a mentor or may be a director, because that is what he has been doing – he has been mentoring the IPL team he is a part of. He has got great communication skills and has got a huge experience to share. He can really speak to players one on one. So he being a Director or a mentor would be more apt I think (smiles).

CT: Thanks a lot for your time sir. And best of luck for the tournament.

VP: Thank you, thanks a lot.

Talking with Sunil Joshi

CT: Hello sir, how does it feel to be back in the field after so long?

SJ: It really feels great (Chuckles). Indeed, it’s a new challenge that lies ahead. We will have great fun and try again to be field-fit.

CT: You had a great run at the Ranji Trophy last season, where the team you mentored thrashed the champions to mark a record 4-wicket win in a memorable game. How was the feeling?

SJ: It was indeed very awesome and a big confidence-booster for our guys. We believed in ourselves and stood by the feeling that we could do it. And that is how J&K beat the Mumbai in Ranji (smiles).

CT: Thank you sir. Thanks for the time. And yes, all the best for KPL.
SJ: Welcome and thanks to you too (smiles).