MSK Prasad bats for B-town boys

MSK replaced 1983 World Cup winner Roger Binny as South Zone’s representative on the five-member panel that picks teams which represent India at the highest levels of the game.

Born in Guntur and grinding his way to the top, the modest MSK does not forget his roots, and vows to bat for boys from blurry backgrounds. “I represent all cricketers who come from smaller towns. I want to help players pursue their dreams of playing higher levels of cricket. This is a section that needs to be nurtured so that we have a very good talent pool in the country,” he told this newspaper.

The 40-year-old is also upbeat that this new-found recognition would propel an already surging Andhra to greater heights. “It’s a great feeling and a proud moment for the Andhra Cricket Association. After having represented the country at the highest level, I feel due recognition has be accorded to me. As a cricketer I was thrilled to play for the country and after retiring, have served the game in my capacity as an administrator, thanks to the ACA and its secretary Dr Gokaraju Ganga Raju, who has constantly provided encouragement and support to me,” he said.

MSK has done justice to the faith ACA kept in him though. “I’m completely committed. Right know I am in Kadapa selecting the Andhra Under 14 team. Cricket has been my life… I couldn’t have asked for more,” MSK said. The former cricketer is understandably excited about his first assignment, that of selecting the Indian side for the second Test against South Africa to be played in Bengaluru from November 14. His experience of having played 6 Tests and 17 One-day Internationals between 1998 and 2000 should come in handy.