Erapalli Prasanna: Indian bowlers don't know if they have to contain or take wickets

Erapalli Prasanna

According to legendary Indian spinner Erapalli Prasanna, young Indian bowlers are confused over their role in the team which has led to them being ineffective.

Players are confused, says Prasanna

Speaking at a cricket clinic in Mumbai, Prasanna said: "The youngsters are very talented but what they lack is the mindset. They do not know if they have to bowl to contain runs or to take wickets. Even though they are good, they seem confused."

The 74-year-old also spoke about the recent Test series between Australia and India, where he felt the decision to drop Ravichandran Ashwin for the first Test had a huge impact on the outcome of the series.

"He should have played. He was the only bowler I had faith in and he would have been respected. We could have won that Test had he been there. Unfortunately, when Ashwin was picked for the next Test, the Australians were one-up in the series and were a confident team.

“Before the first Test, the Australians were down because of the death of Phillip Hughes and the fitness issues of Michael Clarke and we could have called the shots," the Bangalorean added.

Prasanna not happy with the way players are being nurtured

Prasanna feels that Indian cricket isn’t short on talent but isn’t pleased with the way young players are being trained. The former off-spinner, who is a coach himself, mentioned that budding cricketers aren’t being nurtured properly.

"Talent is in abundance everywhere but what we are missing out is the nurturing part. We need to guide players effectively," he said.

Prasanna put on an optimistic face when he was asked about India’s chances at the World Cup, saying Ravindra Jadeja is the only Indian bowler who has the skill to turn the ball.

"If (left-arm spinner) Ravindra Jadeja bowls a bit slow, he is the only one who can possibly turn the ball. The batsmen are going to dominate and I feel India have an excellent chance because they have a strong batting line-up," he concluded.