IND vs SA: "Poor Prasidh Krishna Isn't Ready For Test Cricket" - Former Indian Cricketer Slams Young Pacer

A former India bowler criticized young pacer Prasidh Krishna, following the Rohit Sharma-led team’s loss in the first Test in South Africa. The former player expressed concerns about Prasidh Krishna’s skills and questioned his limited exposure recent Ranji Trophy seasons.

Team India suffered a comprehensive defeat in the Centurion Test, losing by an innings and 32 runs. Jasprit Bumrah emerged as India’s standout bowler, claiming figures of 4/69. Shardul Thakur struggled to make an impact, recording figures of 1/101 from 19 overs.

In the absence of Mohammed Shami, who was ruled out due to a heel injury, India selected Prasidh Krishna as his replacement in the playing XI. Unfortunately, this decision didn’t yield positive results, as the debutant recorded figures of 1/93 from 20 overs in Centurion.

Prasidh Krishna Doesn’t Have Skills To Bowl – Former Indian Bowler

The former Indian bowler, who chose to remain anonymous, asserted that Prasidh Krishna isn’t prepared for Tests, having played only one India A game. He suggested that Krishna’s preparation and experience are not adequate for the demands of Test cricket.

“Poor Prasidh… The kid isn’t ready for Test cricket. He doesn’t have skills to bowl second and third spells yet. They went with him based on his ability to hit the deck. But they forgot when has he last played a proper season of Ranji Trophy? Just one India A game isn’t enough,” a former India bowler told PTI.

The Rohit Sharma-led team faced batting struggles during the series opener, posting scores of 245 and 131 in the first and second innings, respectively. In contrast, the Temba Bavuma-led team scored a total of 408 runs in their only innings in the Boxing Day Test.

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Avesh Khan Is Same Type Of Bowler Like Prasidh Krishna – Former Indian Bowler

The former cricketer noted a lack of excitement and confidence in India’s emerging pacers. He highlighted Avesh Khan as a bowler akin to Prasidh Krishna, but emphasized his regular participation in red-ball cricket.

“The problem is India’s next generation of pacers don’t evoke the same kind of excitement and confidence that Bumrah, Shami, Ishant and Siraj produced.”

“Avesh is same type of bowler like Prasidh but plays red ball cricket more regularly. So he might hit better lengths. Navdeep Saini is still playing India A for six years. That tells you the story,” the bowler said.

Avesh Khan Replaces Mohammed Shami Ahead Of 2nd Test

Young pacer Avesh Khan has joined India’s Test squad for the second game against South Africa in Cape Town. Avesh Khan replaced the injured Mohammed Shami for the final Test match, which is scheduled to be played at Newlands from January 3 to 7, 2024.

India has another option in Mukesh Kumar, an experienced Bengal pacer, who could be a reliable choice for an important Test match. However, considering Avesh Khan’s current form, he might be used as a wildcard to bring an element of surprise to the hosts.

India’s squad for 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Avesh Khan

Also read: IND vs SA: Sanjay Bangar Backs Prasidh Krishna Despite A Below-Average Start To His Test Career