As India braces for the Freedom Series against South Africa, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has raised questions about Prasidh Krishna ability to endure the demands of Test cricket. The uncertainty comes as a crucial aspect considering the absence of Mohammed Shami, forcing the team management to contemplate between Krishna and Mukesh Kumar for the role of the third specialist seamer.
Expressing his reservations on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues,’ Gavaskar cast doubt on Krishna’s fitness for the longer format, stating:
“I am not sure about Prasidh Krishna. He has come back from an injury. If he is required to bowl 15-20 overs in the day, I am not sure if he will be able to do that. I hope he proves me wrong because if anybody proves me wrong, that means India are doing well, and if India are doing well, I am very happy.”
Gavaskar’s preferred opening pair comprises Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, emphasizing their consistent performances with both the red and white ball over the past year and a half. Bumrah, with 26 wickets at an average of 24.38 in six Tests in South Africa, stands as a key asset for the visitors.
Mukesh Kumar over Prasidh Krishna: Sunil Gavaskar
For the third seamer slot, Gavaskar leans towards Mukesh Kumar over Prasidh Krishna. He reasoned:
“Then depending on what you want and what kind of a surface you are looking at, my third pick would be Mukesh Kumar because he moves the ball and bowls good lines and lengths.”
Gavaskar highlighted Kumar’s extensive first-class experience as a significant advantage, noting:
“He has got the experience of bowling long spells because he has played a lot of Ranji Trophy cricket. If you have to bowl the entire day, you have to be ready to bowl at least 18 to 20 overs.”
Mukesh Kumar, with his two-wicket haul in the lone Test against West Indies earlier this year, and an impressive record of 151 wickets at an average of 21.62 in 40 first-class matches, could offer the much-needed experience and stability in the absence of Shami. As the series unfolds, Gavaskar’s skepticism adds an intriguing layer to the team’s selection dynamics.
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