Venkatesh Prasad is taking one step at a time in his career as a coach. ‘‘I never planned things. They are just following one by one,’’ said Prasad following his appointment as the coach of India under-19 side.A Level III coach, Prasad was first appointed as the U-15 coach before being elevated to U-17 at the National Cricket Academy. After attending the selection committee meeting here, Prasad told The Indian Express, ‘‘Four days back, I got a call from the BCCI to check if I was okay with idea. I was only too glad to accept the job.’’‘‘This is just the first day. I am trying to get acquainted with the players. Since most of them were at the NCA I don’t think the familiarisation process should be that tough,’’ Prasad adds.But Prasad has very little time as the English colts are already here and will begin their tour with practice matches in Bangalore from Thursday. Realising that, Prasad is on his way to Bangalore to have a look at the team members: ‘‘It is important that so that I can plan a few things.’’Though unwilling to give out anything at this stage, Prasad is clear on one thing. ‘‘The most important thing for me is preparation. As a coach my motto is simple. What matters at this age is preparation and results are just the end product of it,’’ he explains.As for the execution, Prasad says, ‘‘I will try to keep it simple. The important thing for the boys is to learn from each other. What I will surely tell them is about the spirit of cricket.’’And what’s next? Becoming the team India bowling coach?‘‘Why not, I am always ready for it,’’ he says. And if that sounds like Prasad is ready and well into his innings as a coach, the former India opening bowler says, ‘‘I am not finished as a first-class player yet. I am not going to announce my retirement till after the Pakistan series.’’
