Erapalli Anantharao Srinivas Prasanna, commonly known as Pras, was a legendary cricket player from India renowned for his exceptional skills as an offspinner. Born on May 22, 1940, in Bangalore, Prasanna’s illustrious career spanned over a decade, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
His unique bowling style was often compared to that of a chess player, as he strategically outsmarted batsmen before even delivering the ball. Prasanna possessed an incredible mastery over flight and was a force to be reckoned with even on the most favorable pitches. His ability to deceive batsmen led countless opponents to their downfall, enticing them into lunging forward to hit what seemed to be a half-volley, only to have the ball pitch shorter than anticipated. Prasanna’s lethal arm ball would float and drift in the air, occasionally displaying subtle wobbles, making it nearly impossible for batsmen to read his deliveries.
After making his Test debut in 1961-62, Prasanna temporarily stepped away from the international cricket scene to complete his undergraduate studies. He then made a triumphant return in 1967, swiftly becoming captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s go-to spinner. However, in the early 1970s, team politics and zonal preferences often resulted in Prasanna being overlooked in favor of Venkataraghavan. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected and feared presence in domestic cricket, particularly relishing batsmen who dared to take on his skills.
Prasanna’s attacking mindset, coupled with his immense patience, made him a formidable opponent. He would persistently bait batsmen over after over, hoping to induce a costly mistake. Moreover, his leadership abilities were evident when he led the Karnataka team to victory in the Ranji Trophy twice, ending Bombay’s 15-year dominance in the process.
In addition to his domestic success, Prasanna made significant contributions to the Indian national team. However, his retirement in 1978 after a tour to Pakistan also marked the end of an era for his spin bowling comrades, Bishan Singh Bedi and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar.
Following his playing career, Prasanna joined the ICL (Indian Cricket League) in 2007 as a match referee. However, with the amnesty offer from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2009, he severed ties with the unsanctioned league and welcomed the opportunity to stay connected to the sport within the approved framework.
Throughout his cricketing journey, Prasanna gained widespread respect and admiration from both fans and fellow cricketers. His statistics speak volumes about his remarkable skills and contributions to the game. With 189 wickets in 49 Test matches at an average of 30.38, he certainly left an indomitable legacy in the world of cricket.
Erapalli Anantharao Srinivas Prasanna will forever be remembered as a gifted spinner who possessed an unmatched ability to outwit batsmen on any given day. His impact on Indian cricket is immeasurable, and his name will forever be associated with excellence, skill, and the art of spin bowling.
