As India gears up for the Test series against South Africa, the selection dilemma between Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar has taken the center stage. The choice becomes particularly crucial as Prasidh, standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches, holds a significant height advantage over his counterpart. This factor could prove decisive in navigating the bouncy and challenging South African conditions.
In the past, height discrepancies have played a crucial role in the outcomes of India’s tours to South Africa. The Proteas, with a taller pace attack, often created more challenges for Indian batsmen. The release point height difference contributed to unpredictable bounce and made it challenging for batsmen to find their footing, leading to series losses for India.
Recognizing this, the Indian team, under coach Rahul Dravid, seems to have strategically included Prasidh Krishna in the squad. The towering pacer, yet to make his Test debut, brings not just height but also a skillful application of it to his advantage.
His extra height results in more bounce off the pitch, providing him with greater margin for error in length and increased chances of exploiting the surface conditions.
Why Prasidh Krishna over Mukesh Kumar?
Prasidh’s 12 first-class games have already showcased his effectiveness, with 54 wickets at an impressive average of 17.29. His recent performance in the unofficial Test between India A and South Africa further solidifies his case for a Test debut in Centurion, a ground known for variable bounce as the game progresses.
The unique aspect of Prasidh’s bowling lies in his ability to use his height strategically. Unlike some tall bowlers who tend to go for shorter lengths on bouncy tracks, Prasidh Krishna consistently hits the good-length area, leaving batsmen in a dilemma of whether to thrust back or move forward. His energetic action, reminiscent of a young Javagal Srinath, allows him to generate a devilish nip-backer and seam the ball both ways.
In comparison, Mukesh Kumar, while a disciplined and effective seamer, lacks the height advantage that Prasidh brings to the table. Kumar, at 6 feet, doesn’t match Prasidh’s towering stature, and his deliveries tend to skim off the surface rather than leap off it.
While Kumar could play the role of a workhorse third seamer, Prasidh’s unique attributes, including the height factor, make him a promising choice for a series where such nuances could prove to be series-winning.
As the Indian team contemplates its bowling combination for the Tests, the selection of Prasidh Krishna could be a strategic move to address the historical challenges posed by South African conditions, aiming for a decisive advantage in the upcoming series.
