Venkatesh Prasad was one of India’s leading fast‑medium bowlers in the 1990s, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and for his memorable duels with Pakistan’s batsmen. Alongside Javagal Srinath, he formed a reliable new‑ball partnership that gave India a competitive edge in overseas conditions.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Bapu Krishnarao Venkatesh Prasad
- Born: 5 August 1969, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Age: 56 years (as of 2026)
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm medium‑fast
- Role: Bowler
- Domestic/County Teams: Karnataka, Leicestershire
Venkatesh Prasad Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowl Avg | Runs | Bat Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 33 | 96 | 6/33 | 35.0 | 266 | 8.6 |
| ODIs | 161 | 196 | 5/27 | 32.3 | 221 | 6.9 |
| First‑Class | 135 | 361 | 8/– | 29.0 | 1,500+ | ~10 |
| List A | 236 | 295 | 5/27 | 31.5 | 400+ | ~8 |
Career Highlights
- International Debut: ODI debut vs New Zealand (Apr 1994); Test debut vs England (Jun 1996).
- 1996 World Cup: Key bowler for India, especially in the semi‑final against Sri Lanka.
- Iconic Moment: Famous for dismissing Aamer Sohail in the 1996 World Cup quarter‑final after a heated exchange.
- Partnership with Srinath: Together, they provided India with a strong pace attack in the mid‑1990s.
- Coaching Career: Served as India’s bowling coach (2007–2009) and later worked with IPL franchises and junior teams.
Style of Play
- Bowling: Relied on seam and swing rather than raw pace, effective in helpful conditions.
- Batting: Lower‑order contributor, mainly defensive.
- Temperament: Calm and disciplined, often delivering crucial breakthroughs.
Legacy
Venkatesh Prasad is remembered as a disciplined swing bowler who gave India control with the new ball. His partnership with Srinath remains one of India’s most respected fast‑bowling duos. Post‑retirement, his coaching and commentary roles have kept him connected to the game.
See More: Javagal Srinath