Sutram Suresh/Rediff

Bangalore, Apr 12: Rahul Dravid's men may have cut a sorry figure in the World Cup but India's newly-appointed bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad does not consider it a "crisis situation" and believes the squad is resilient enough to overcome the setback.

"Well, I really don't see the current situation as a crisis. I feel if someone is mentioning about the World Cup, it's just one game (against Bangladesh) that we lost which could have happened to anybody.

"I would not really read too much out of that because we have done fantastic things in the past," Prasad told PTI in an interview.

He said India had quality players in the ranks with enough potential and experience and they would soon be back to their winning ways.

"With due credit to Bangladesh, I would say why India cannot do it again if they have done it in the past? The amount of talent and potential we are having is abundant. They all can deliver the goods. The experience and exposure of our players should not be forgotten. The team is too good," he said.

The former paceman also revealed that Indian captain Rahul Dravid had spoken to him a couple of days before the official announcement was made, informing he was going to suggest his name for the bowling coach's job.

Asked how he planned to approach the job, Prasad said, "I've got to speak to the players and get to know their view points and ideas and carry on from there. I'm just waiting to meet the bowlers I will be working with," said Prasad, adding he, however, was not sure whether he would be assisting the spinners too.

"Well I'm not really sure about that. I'm just waiting for them (Board) to define my role. Probably in 3-4 days time, Rahul, myself and the others will be sitting down chalking out strategies. I'm just waiting for the team selections to finish."

Prasad said his new responsibility was a "great thing to happen", for he always wanted to be involved with the game and give back whatever he has learnt. It was also great challenge for him, he admitted.

"I'm looking forward to it which no doubt is a great challenge. I would like to do the job to the best of my ability, having done the coaching courses not just in India but abroad as well."

Prasad was with the England and Wales Cricket Board for a Level-III coaching course after doing a similar course in India. He coached the Under-19 team, was bowling coach with the National Cricket Academy for the last 3-4 years and also guided the Karnataka state team.

"With experience of having played so much Test and one-day cricket, I feel I can share quite a few things with the players," said Prasad, who retired in 2001.

Asked how optimistic he was about success, Prasad said, "We've played cricket in this country. We understand the culture and understand the players and their mindset. It's very important to understand the players and talk to them one-on-one. This is what puts us in an advantageous position when we start working with the bowlers in particular.

"We just have to understand them and take them in the right direction," Prasad said.

A number of young fast bowlers impressed Prasad last season when he helped Karnataka to reach the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy.

"It was a great experience to be part of the state team. I saw Ishant Sharma, Yo Mahesh, RP Singh, VRV Singh, our own Vinaykumar who all have good potentials. There are quite a few of them," said an optimistic Prasad.