In a cricketing saga that unfolded during India’s recent Test match against South Africa, Prasidh Krishna’s debut performance has sparked controversy and raised questions about the decision-making of Captain Rohit Sharma and Coach Rahul Dravid.
Prasidh Krishna, the young right-arm pacer, had a forgettable debut on the Test stage against South Africa. His erratic performance, lack of ideas, and a seeming absence of the necessary discipline for Test match bowling became apparent. Critics argue that his below-average showing played a pivotal role in India’s inability to maintain pressure on South African batters when frontline bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were off the attack.
Despite the humbling loss by an innings and 32 runs in Centurion, Captain Rohit Sharma expressed support for Prasidh Krishna, stating that the team would back the young bowler. However, the rapid inclusion of Avesh Khan in the squad for the second match in Cape Town suggests a reevaluation of Prasidh’s position in the playing XI.
The decision to play Prasidh ahead of Mukesh Kumar was reportedly based on the success that tall “hit the deck” bowlers historically achieve on South African pitches. However, Prasidh failed to capitalize on this theory, being consistently off his line and length.
A former India bowler, speaking anonymously to PTI, minced no words in criticizing Prasidh Krishna’s readiness for Test cricket. The bowler highlighted Prasidh’s lack of experience in red-ball cricket, citing the need for more than just one India A game to prepare for the demands of Test matches.
The article brings attention to the inclusion of Avesh Khan, who is playing in the second unofficial match between India A and South Africa A, where he has already taken a five-wicket haul in the first innings. The former India bowler acknowledges Avesh as a similar type of bowler to Prasidh but emphasizes Avesh’s regular involvement in red-ball cricket.
Concerns extend beyond Prasidh Krishna, with a reflection on India’s next generation of pacers. The unnamed bowler remarked that they do not inspire the same level of excitement and confidence as their predecessors, including Bumrah, Shami, Ishant, and Siraj.
Shardul Thakur’s position in the team is also under scrutiny, with doubts arising about his effectiveness as both a bowler and a dependable batsman. The article concludes by noting the challenges India faces in cultivating a bowling attack with the capability to consistently take 20 wickets, suggesting that the future of Indian fast bowling may need a strategic reassessment.
