E.A.S. Prasanna Biography: Life Story, Career, Records, Family & Achievements
Introduction
Erapalli Anantharao Srinivas Prasanna, popularly known as E.A.S. Prasanna, is one of India’s legendary off-spin bowlers and a member of the famous Indian spin quartet of the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his classical spin bowling, control, and ability to outsmart batsmen with flight and guile, Prasanna played a crucial role in establishing India as a force in world cricket during his era.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Erapalli Anantharao Srinivas Prasanna
- Date of Birth: 22 May 1940
- Birthplace: Bangalore (now Bengaluru), Karnataka, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 68 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Prasanna was born in Bangalore and developed an interest in cricket at a young age. While studying engineering, he excelled in cricket and soon became a sought-after off-spinner. His ability to use flight and sharp spin made him stand out even among spinners of his generation.
Domestic Career
- Represented Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy.
- Played first-class cricket for nearly two decades, taking over 957 wickets in 235 matches.
- Renowned for his consistency and match-winning spells in domestic cricket.
International Career
Debut Matches
- Test Debut: 18 January 1962 vs England at Madras (now Chennai).
Career Highlights
- Played 49 Test matches, taking 189 wickets at an average of 30.38.
- Known for deceiving batsmen with flight, loop, and dip.
- Formed India’s famous spin quartet along with Bishan Singh Bedi, B.S. Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan.
- Famous for troubling top international batsmen with his sharp off-spin.
Bowling Style & Strengths
- Specialized in classical off-spin with flight rather than relying on pace.
- Believed in “outthinking” batsmen.
- Maintained remarkable control and patience, often luring batsmen into mistakes.
Records & Achievements
- 189 Test wickets, including 10 five-wicket hauls.
- One of India’s most successful off-spinners in overseas conditions.
- Part of India’s famous Test victories in the West Indies (1971) and England (1971).
- Awarded the Padma Shri (1970).
Retirement & Later Life
- Retired from international cricket in 1978.
- Worked in various cricketing and administrative roles after retirement.
- Authored books on cricket, sharing his deep understanding of spin bowling.
Personal Life
E.A.S. Prasanna kept his personal life largely private, focusing more on his cricketing career and later administrative contributions.
Legacy
Prasanna is remembered as one of the finest classical off-spinners in world cricket. His artistry and tactical brilliance made him a nightmare for batsmen during his era. Alongside the other members of the spin quartet, he helped India build its cricketing identity in the 1960s and 70s. His legacy continues to inspire generations of spin bowlers.
FAQs
Q1: How many wickets did E.A.S. Prasanna take in Test cricket?
He took 189 wickets in 49 Tests for India.
Q2: Was Prasanna part of the spin quartet?
Yes, along with Bishan Singh Bedi, B.S. Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan.
Q3: What was Prasanna’s bowling style?
He was a classical off-spinner known for flight, control, and guile.
Q4: Did Prasanna receive any awards?
Yes, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1970 for his contribution to Indian cricket.
Q5: When did Prasanna retire?
He retired from international cricket in 1978.
