Prasidh Krishna
BCCI

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is well known as the breeding ground of future stars. Players like Yusuf Pathan, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and many others first made a big impression in this very tournament before making it big in the international fold.

The ongoing eleventh edition has not been an exception either. The likes of Mayank Markande, Prithvi Shaw, Abhishek Sharma, Krishnappa Gowtham have made their presence felt this season.

Well, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) bowling coach Heath Streak has added another name to the list in the form of Prasidh Krishna.

The right-arm pacer Krishna has made a big impression in a short span of time. The Knight Riders signed him up midway through the tournament after an injury ruled out speedster Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

IPL 2018: Prasidh Krishna Has Been Outstanding, Says Heath Streak
Credits: BCCI

Krishna made a poor start to his IPL career. His first two games were against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and he finished with figures of 4-0-39-0 and 4-0-41-1.

However, Krishna has not looked back since those two dismal outings. In the following four games, he picked up nine wickets with the best figures being four for 30. He impressed in the Eliminator too, conceding 28 runs in four overs and picking up one wicket.

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Speaking ahead of the Qualifier against Sunrisers, Streak lavished praise on Krishna.

“That 18th over was world class on Wednesday and it reminds me of guys like Jasprit Bumrah who came on the scene, doing exactly what he is doing. He is one of those names IPL has unearthed and he is making a name for himself,” Streak told reporters as he was quoted by IANS.

Prasidh gave away just three runs and took the wicket of Stuart Binny in the 18th over which turned decisive for the Knight Riders. The two-time IPL champions went on to win the game by 25 runs.

“He has been outstanding. He has brought a new dimension to the team, not just his pace, but also his height. The most pleasing thing to see is how much of a thinking cricketer he is. Is really being smart and using his options and variations well. He is using the double bluffs,” Streak said.

The Knight Riders have won four consecutive games while the Sunrisers have lost four in a row.

“He is not allowing the batsman to look at the field and know what ball is coming next. With all of that, you still got to execute your skills and he is doing that. His confidence is growing and he has been fantastic,” Streak added.

Heath Streak further said that Knight Riders are high on confidence ahead of the showdown with the Sunrisers.

“We are coming good at the right time of the tournament and I think our team balance is also coming together nicely. I am pleased with how our bowlers have put it together. To be honest, we were a bit disjointed and under par in the bowling department early on and batting came to our rescue every time. But now it seems all good with this confidence of four consecutive wins,” he said.

 

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IPL 2018: Prasidh Krishna Has Been Outstanding, Says Heath Streak
Credits: BCCI

 

“They are a very strong side, we respect them. They wouldn’t have finished at the top of the tables if they weren’t a good side. I think balance and form are important factors in cricket and we are good in that. We are trying not to focus on names. They are a good side and we know that probably they are the favourites but I think we have also got the home advantage and crowd support which has been unbelievable,” he added.

The second Qualifier will be played on Friday at the Eden Gardens.

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