Former India fast bowler submits application for bowling coach

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Former India first bowler Venkatesh Prasad will apply for the post of bowling coach before July 9. Image Source: twitter

Internet Desk: Virat Kohli’s concerns over a bowling coach can soon be resolved. Former India fast bowler is likely to apply for the post of bowling coach for the India team. The 47 year old will submit his application before the July 9 deadline.

Prasad had submitted an application in 2016 but did not find favour then as his name was not shortlisted by the Cricket Advisory Committee. The Karnataka medium pacer is now serving as the chairman of the junior selection committee and is in his final term.

To his credit the lanky fast bowler has had the experience of coaching two international teams like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the last couple of years. He also coached the Uttar Pradesh Ranji team.

With the contracts of the present support staff already expired in March 2017, BCCI will be keen to have new faces. Both Sanjay Bangar and R Sridhar had been asked to extend their services through the Champions Trophy 2017 and later for the West Indies tour under a climate of doubt in the aftermath of Kumble’s resignation.

It is entirely up to the Cricket Advisory Committee to decide whether they want to include Prasad’s name in the support staff. According to sources, the choice of the support staff will be left on the new coach whoever is appointed. Under Kumble’s reign, India didn’t need a separate bowling coach (Bharat Arun had filled that role under Shastri) and sought only specialised coaches for batting (Sanjay Bangar) and fielding (R. Sridhar).

Prasad has served as India’s bowling coach in the past during the 2007 World Cup. He has also served as the coach of the Under-19 side, guiding the colts to the final of the 2006 edition. He holds a decent record as far as bowling for India is concerned. He picked 96 and 196 wickets from 33 Tests and 161 ODIs respectively.