Venkatesh Prasad flattered by Bangladesh coach link

Former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad has stated that the news about him being linked to the Bangladesh bowling coach job comes as a ‘pleasant surprise’. Although he seems flattered by the very consideration, Prasad has stated that he is much more interested in contributing to Indian cricket before plying his coaching trade across other countries.

The last two years has seen a renaissance in Bangladesh cricket. Many pundits and experts attribute this to the bowling unit that has produced players like Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. Heath Streak, the former Zimbabwe skipper has also been heavily praised for his role in their development.

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“This news comes to me as a pleasant surprise,” Prasad told TOI. “I’ve not applied for the Bangladesh job as I always been expressing my desire to coach Team India bowlers. BCB may have expressed interest looking at my credentials as a coach,” said Prasad, who currently heads the India U-19 selection committee.

Prasad was made the bowling coach of the Indian cricket team after a disastrous 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. He was removed from the position in 2009. He has also served as the U19 coach, guiding the Indian colts to the final in 2006. He has also coached the Royal Challengers Bangalore as well as the Chennai Super Kings apart from being linked with the post of Sri Lankan bowling coach.

“I consider myself privileged to be coaching a national team. Having said that my aspiration is to contribute to Indian cricket.”

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The Bangladesh Cricket Board is said to be in the hunt for a bowling coach after the departure of Heath Streak. The latter saw out his contract with the BCB after the World T20 and went on to become the bowling coach of the Gujarat Lions in the IPL. Reports suggest that Streak has currently applied for the NCA’s bowling coach’s post that is lying vacant after TA Sekhar refused the offer.