Top 10 Karnataka cricketers to have played for India - Part 2

Let’s take a look at the next set of players who have not only been performers on the cricket field, but have also come back to serve Karnataka and Indian cricket in various capacities. This list has not been created to make comparisons between any of these players, but is an attempt to remember fondly the achievements of these men who have made the state of Karnataka and its residents proud. To read Part 1 of this list click here.

6. E.A.S Prasanna 

E A S Prasanna, India v England, 3rd Test, Madras, Jan 1976-77

‘Pras’ was a favourite amongst members of the Indian cricket team of the 70′s as well as his Karnataka team mates whom he so admirably led to two Ranji trophy triumphs.

Erapalli Prasanna was an off spinner in the classical mode and was known for his tremendous ability to outfox batsmen with his late dip and turn. Prasanna has always spoken about the need for spin bowlers to have an attacking mindset, but yet be patient and beat the batsman with guile and flight.

Prasanna played 49 Test matches for India and was able to collect a whopping 189 wickets. He was also among the fastest to reach 100 Test wickets, which he picked in just 20 matches.

Prasanna was able to pick more than 8 wickets in a match, on nine occasions in his illustrious career. Which means that once in every five matches he was going to ensure eight wickets or more to the team, which is phenomenal.

His best bowling figures of 11 for 140 came in a Test match at Auckland in New Zealand, a place not traditionally known to assist the spinners. This feat in itself speaks volumes, for the ability the man possessed.

Prasanna has been awarded the “Padma Sri” by the government of India in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cricket.