The recent Test debut of Prasidh Krishna against South Africa has sparked a debate over the young pacer’s preparedness for the longer format of the game. Criticized for his lackluster performance in Centurion, questions are now being raised about the decision-making of Captain Rohit Sharma and Head Coach Rahul Dravid in selecting Prasidh Krishna for Test duty.
In the aftermath of India’s humbling defeat by an innings and 32 runs, Rohit Sharma expressed his commitment to supporting the budding right-arm pacer. However, the swift inclusion of Avesh Khan in the squad for the second Test in Cape Town suggests that Prasidh’s position in the XI might be in jeopardy.
The decision to play Prasidh Krishna over Mukesh Kumar was influenced by the historical success of tall hit-the-deck bowlers on South African pitches. Unfortunately, Prasidh failed to deliver, struggling with line and length and failing to capitalize on the pitch conditions.
One former India bowler, speaking on condition of anonymity, didn’t mince words in expressing concern over Prasidh’s readiness for Test cricket. He pointed out the lack of experience in red-ball cricket and highlighted the importance of more extensive exposure, stating, “Poor Prasidh… The kid isn’t ready for Test cricket. He doesn’t have the skills to bowl second and third spells yet.”
The criticism extends beyond Prasidh, shedding light on the broader concerns about the emerging crop of Indian pacers. The former bowler emphasized that the current batch doesn’t inspire the same confidence as the likes of Bumrah, Shami, Ishant, and Siraj did. While Avesh Khan may be a similar type of bowler to Prasidh Krishna, his regular participation in red-ball cricket could offer a potential advantage.
The bowler further remarked on the prolonged stint of Navdeep Saini in India A for six years, illustrating the challenges in finding the next generation of pace bowlers who can make a significant impact.
There are also the uncertainties surrounding Shardul Thakur’s role, and question arround his effectiveness with both bat and ball. The absence of a multi-skilled cricketer like Hardik Pandya further limits India’s options in the fast-bowling department. As the World Test Championship cycle progresses, India need more formidable attack capable of taking 20 wickets consistently.
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