Former Indian star bowler, Venkatesh Prasad said that he would not have applied for the job if he had known that the newly appointed coach, Anil Kumble was in contention for the job. All Indian fans and BCCI officials have backed Indian bowling legend, Anil Kumble, when his appointment was made official this evening.
To be honest, I would not have applied if I knew that Anil too had applied. I am not disappointed (at missing out). These things happen. It was pretty much a two-horse race between Anil and Ravi Shastri,” Prasad told PTI after Kumble’s appointment as Team India coach.
However, Prasad has wished his fellow state player Kumble as he expressed his confidence in the ability of the 45-year old.
”Anil has proved himself in whatever he has attempted, be it as an India player or captain. Not many would have handled the 2008 ‘Monkeygate’ incident better than Anil (when he was captain). I worked with him (at KSCA) and he did a good job with that as well.
“The job is not about coaching, it is about implementing your ideas, how you can take the team forward with your tactical knowledge. I am sure Anil would do a good job with that,” Prasad added.
Prasad is still confident of helping Team India as he feels he could add to the support staff of Anil Kumble in the coming months.
Prasad had previously worked as the bowling coach for Team India during 2007 to 2009 and also helped India lift T20 World Cup 2007.
Prasad has worked with Royal Challengers Bangalore as the bowling coach in the recently concluded IPL season and have done a great job with an ordinary looking RCB bowling attack which helped them reach the finals. He has also worked with suspended IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings in the past.
Venkatesh Prasad was one of the very first to apply for the job and it is very true that he might not be aware of Kumble’s intention to apply for one of the most coveted jobs in the cricketing world. Incidentally, Anil Kumble also becomes the first Indian to become the coach for Team India after legendary Kapil Dev.