Swing & Skill | Venkatesh Prasad 5-72 vs Sri Lanka 2001

In the 2nd Test at Kandy, August 2001, Venkatesh Prasad rolled back the years with a classic display of seam and swing bowling. The tall Indian seamer produced a magnificent five for 72, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup with patience, control, and guile.

Alongside Zaheer Khan, who also bowled superbly, Prasad applied relentless pressure that broke the back of the Sri Lankan innings. From removing the reliable Marvan Atapattu to trapping Arjuna Tillakaratne plumb in front, every wicket was a testimony to his skill and determination. He followed it up by cleaning the tail with precision, recording his seventh five-wicket haul in just his 32nd Test match.

This spell remains one of Prasad’s most cherished performances, not only for the wickets taken but also for the timing—when India needed their bowlers to step up, he delivered. It was a masterclass of swing bowling in tough Sri Lankan conditions, showcasing how intelligence and consistency can prevail over raw pace.

Relive this unforgettable bowling performance from Kandy, a spell that etched Venkatesh Prasad’s name deeper into the annals of Indian cricketing history.

📌 Hashtags

#VenkateshPrasad #INDvsSL #TestCricket #CricketClassics #IndianCricket #SwingBowling #ZaheerKhan #SriLankaCricket #Kandy2001 #CricketHistory