The India cricket team has always been dominated by batsmen from its inception, but there are still some bowlers who made into the famed list of Indian legends. Venkatesh Prasad is surely one of the greatest fast bowlers to have played for India. His bowling partnership with Javagal Srinath won many matches for the Indian team. Prasad is close to his half-century in real life and is celebrating his 49th birthday today (5th August).
Venky set the standards for young Indian fast bowlers by his tight line and length. Prasad played 161 ODIs for India and picked up 196 wickets and in the longer format, he played 33 Test matches with 96 wickets in his kitty. He has 7 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Prasad had helmed the responsibility to coach the Indian side from 2007-2009 as a bowling coach. He had also been associated with Indian Premier League franchises Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore as the bowling coach.
His rivalry with Pakistan's Aamir Sohail is widely considered as one of the most heated ones amongst neighbouring nations.
BCCI recently posted a video of Venkatesh Prasad to wish him Happy Birthday, titled: "This moment is etched forever in every cricket fan's minds. Perfect time to take everyone in a rewind!!! Happy Birthday Venkatesh Prasad!"