Venkatesh Prasad has an “interesting and challenging” assignment that will test his credentials as a coach and his experience as a former player. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) will avail of Prasad's services to promote cricket in the region.
Following a recommendation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Prasad will travel to lesser known cricket-playing countries in Asia and look to identify and groom young talent.
“I have been a player and a coach at different levels but this job means I will essentially develop cricket at the grassroots level. The very idea is so challenging and interesting,” said Prasad.
Starting from scratch
Prasad's work begins with “overseeing the cricket structure” in the country concerned.
“I have to create proper infrastructure by guiding the local associations. It means I have to spot talent and also ensure they have a proper coaching staff to carry on the grooming process.”
From developing cricket at the grassroots level to “taking it to the next level”, Prasad would spend more time with the coaches. “I have to ensure that there are enough coaches to handle the job professionally and correctly.
“I will study the training and coaching programmes and then make the necessary recommendations. I will be conducting coaching seminars and organising competitions.”
Prasad, a crafty swing bowler, took to coaching once he finished playing in 2004 with 96 wickets in 33 Tests and 196 ODI wickets in 161 matches.
He was India's under-17 coach before shifting to Karnataka for a season. He assisted the Indian team as a bowling coach for close to two years before he was removed unceremoniously last season.
“I am not looking too far ahead. The ACC job will keep me busy for six months and then I have my contract with the Chennai Super Kings.”
The 41-year-old Prasad was among the early Indian cricketers to have a secured 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.
“I think the player should be allowed to play his natural game than being curbed by traditional methods. Look at (Virender) Sehwag. He defies the coaching manual when he plays the cover-drive. But he plays it as well as anyone else.”
“Look at (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul's stance. It defies the book again. You want the head to be still and in the right position when meeting the ball. Sehwag and Chanderpaul ensure that.
“We need to be broad-minded towards changes in the game and move forward,” added Prasad, who travels to Malaysia on December 1 to begin his new assignment.
