Venkatesh Prasad makes himself available for selection as the Indian bowling coach

Former India international Venkatesh Prasad is keen on engaging himself with the national team as the bowling coach or the assistant coach. However, the tall fast bowler made it clear that he has not made himself available for the role of the Indian head coach, and has no intentions to do the same before the July 9 deadline.

The 47 year-old pointed out the fact that he has no problems working under the to-be-selected head coach, be it Virender Sehwag or Ravi Shastri and would like to assist him with his knowledge and experience.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Prasad said “I’ve not applied for the head coach’s role yet and might not do so before the deadline,” “However, I’m very much keen to contribute to Indian cricket as an assistant coach or a bowling coach. I can work under Ravi Shastri or Virender Sehwag or whoever becomes the head coach and bring in my experiences as an international cricketer and a former coach.”

The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprised of legends in the form of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman will now shortlist the number of applicants and arrange the interviews in order to complete the selection process before India’s tour of Sri Lanka. The CAC also plans to give the new head coach the freedom to select his own coaching staff. Under the leadership of Anil Kumble, team India did not require a bowling coach, but Sanjay Bangar was appointed as the batting coach while R.Sridhar took care of the fielding part.

“I’m not sure whose prerogative it is to pick the assistant or bowling coaches but if the legends at the CAC – Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman consider me worthy, I will be more than happy to work towards the betterment of Indian cricket,” Prasad added.

March 2017 marked the end of contracts of the current coaching staff, but Bangar and Sridhar were handed over extensions by the BCCI and were asked to continue till the West Indies tour.

Venkatesh Prasad tried his luck to fill in the Indian head coach position in 2016, when Ravi Shastri was released of his duties. While Prasad did not make the final list of candidates shortlisted by the CAC, Anil Kumble was appointed as the right person to take over.

On Venkatesh Prasad’s experience:

Venkatesh Prasad has served for the nation as the bowling coach previously when he was appointed in 2007. He tasted success in his two-year tenure which includes India’s historic T20 World Cup triumph in the same year. Prasad was also associated in coaching roles to IPL teams like the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Chennai Super Kings and has plenty of experience as an international cricketer as well.

“Coaches need to have knowledge to help build some skill sets,” Prasad reckoned. “A lot of coaching at international level is about management and building a good team culture is very important. But equally important is the knowledge of specifics… of particular skill-sets such as say the bio-mechanics involved in bowling. I’m sure I can bring in my wealth of experience and knowledge of international cricket,” he said.