One man who should get lots of credit for this is current India bowling coach, Bapu Krishnarao Venkatesh Prasad.  Since Prasad has taken over the role of bowling coach in the aftermath of India’s disastrous performance in the 2007 World Cup, and the unceremonious exit of it’s controversy plagued coach, Greg Chappell, and his side-kick-cum-bowling coach, Ian Fraser, India have gone from having pace bowlers with promise, but inconsistent performance, to having a squad of fast bowlers who deliver nearly every time.  They all seem to know exactly what their strengths and weaknesses are, and more importantly they all seem to be bowling to a plan, and as an unit. 

What is also very heartening is that all of Prasad’s wards seem to be learning new skills and adding to their repertoire.  For example Ishant Sharma, the youngest member of the squad, has added a slower delivery, and an out-swinger to his natural in-swing and off-cutters, making him much more effective as a wicket taking bowler.  India has also been able to reverse swing the ball much earlier, and much more effectively than the Australians.  This has been achieved by a combination of perfect seam and wrist positioning, achieved by hard work and practice and not by any dubious means.  

This type thinking and ability to put into practice theories about swing and seam, were first evidenced under Prasad when Zaheer Khan, S. Sreesanth and R.P. Singh demolished England in England with their pace combined with unique swing angles that left the English players, normally among the best players of swing and seam, grasping for answers.

Later in Australia on a lively WACA pitch in Perth R.P. Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma combined to out bowl an Australian pace battery that included Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark. 

Finally, on a quite docile bowling track in Mohali, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma combined to again out bowl an Australian pace attack, which once again included Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson and Peter Siddle.

What is important to note is that the pitch conditions do not seem to matter, whether it is bouncy like Perth or swingy like Trent Bridge or just a good batting track like Mohali is immaterial.  Also noteworthy is the fact that not just one or two Indian bowlers, but rather the whole squad, including Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan, R.P. Singh, Sreesanth and Ishant Sharma have raised their game and bowled with pace and skill under Venky’s tutelage.

One of the things that could explain this impact that Prasad has had on the Indian bowlers is the fact that at only 38 years old he is more like an elder brother, than a distant coach/father figure to the bowlers.  Another factor is the absolute integrity of the man, and his genuine concern for his bowlers.  This is often communicated in subtle ways, but can have a big impact on whether what the coach is trying to teach is accepted and internalized by the players. 

One example unrelated to cricket that demonstrates the innate decency of the man is when he stopped to help an accident victim lying on the side of the road and rushed him to the hospital where the doctors credited him with probably helping to save the man’s life.  When asked about this heroic act, Prasad dismissed it as simply doing his duty.  In cases like this actions speak louder than words and based on that India’s current bowling coach is both and outstanding coach and gentleman.