‘Have a great one’- Fans react as former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad turns 54
Venkatesh Prasad has picked up 196 ODI wickets for India.
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Aug 5, 2023 3:27 pm
Venkatesh Prasad (Source: Twitter)
Former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad turns 54 today. The Karnataka-born fast bowler has taken 96 wickets in 33 Tests for India at a strike rate of 73.3 and an economy rate of 2.86. He picked up 7 five-wicket hauls in the longest format and also has one 10-wicket haul. When it comes to ODIs, Prasad has taken 196 scalps in 161 games. The right-arm fast bowler had an average of 32.30 and an economy rate of 4.67 in the 50-over format. Though he had a good start, his career did not take off as he would have liked.
The lanky pacer did have his moments. In the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal game at Bengaluru, Amir Sohail had hit Venkatesh Prasad for a boundary and gestured to him that he would do it again. But Prasad cleaned him up the next ball. The game turned from that point on as Pakistan lost wickets at a rapid pace which allowed India to claw back in the game. The Men in Blue beat the Men in Green by 39 runs and advanced to the semi-final of the tournament.
Prasad has been the bowling coach of three teams in the Indian Premier League
Prasad was also a part of history as he was the bowling coach of the Indian Team during the 2007 T20 World Cup. Prasad had planned well and prepared his team for the bowl-out in the group match against Pakistan. India won it 3-0. The young India pace brigade of Sreesanth, RP Singh and Irfan Pathan bowled beautifully in the tournament which helped the Men in Blue clinch some low-scoring matches. India won the final against Pakistan by 5 runs to be crowned T20 World Champions.
Prasad has tried his hand at coaching in the Indian Premier League as well. He has done the job for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings. He took up the same role at Punjab Kings as well. Prasad has also tried his hand at administration at the Karnataka State Cricket Association. He also does Kannada regional commentary during the IPL and also for India’s matches.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
Happiest Birthday @venkateshprasad , May god bless you with all health and success in life..
Watched the below delivery as a 9-10 year old kid and it will remain as the best delivery I have seen ever for Indian Cricket๐๐ pic.twitter.com/F1dLo00BVT
Pakistan was cruising with comfortable run rate and this wicket changed the match. Also brought down Amair Sohailโs hubris. Still remember watching this match live on TV. #VenkateshPrasad#WorldCup96https://t.co/P0Nvz05Xe0
