Venkatesh Prasad backs RP Singh for New Zealand tour

Kolkata: Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad on friday said left-arm seamer RP Singh was back in his elements and should be considered for the tour to New Zealand.

Urging the national selectors to set their eyes on RP, Prasad said: "He is taking wickets, but the only thing missing is a five-wicket haul. I think it`s just a matter of time. The moment he gets a five-for, he will be a different bowler. Fast bowling is about confidence. "I feel the selectors should not only look at the stats, but the quality in his bowling. I`m pretty sure that he would be back in a couple of months time -- probably after the South Africa series. "Selectors should consider him for our next tour. He`s highly effective in seaming conditions," he said about RP who last played for India during the tour of England in 2011. "He is bowling well, hitting the deck well and getting the movements. He`s creating pressure on the batsmen. It`s a long season and he`s bowling about 25 overs an innings," Prasad, who is here as Uttar Pradesh coach, said. The injury-prone former India pacer, RP Singh, might have taken just 16 wickets from five Ranji Trophy matches in the ongoing season, but has been instrumental in UP`s two outright wins to lead group B as they are almost certain to make the last eight. RP took 3/38 to help UP bundle out Services for 164 to set the tone for their innings and a 14 run win in the last match that had given them a crucial bonus point. "With Zaheer Khan back in the lineup, I`m sure India will form a potent attack in Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami and RP. Zaheer brings in experience to the table and encourages the youngsters to do well," the 44-year-old added. The Team India might have lost the ODI series in South Africa 0-2 in a meek submission, but Prasad felt that they would rise up to the challenge in the two-Test series beginning December 18. "The pitches in Johannesburg and Durban will be out and out for pace bowling. We need to bowl with pace and in the right areas. I`m sure India will do well."