India’s cricket team faces a potential 0-2 setback against South Africa, and Rohit Sharma, alongside coach Rahul Dravid, contemplates a strategic move, considering Prasidh Krishna’s debut struggles in the first SA vs IND Test. The team grapples with the decision to either persist with Krishna, sending a potential wrong signal, or introduce Mukesh Kumar as his replacement, despite Kumar’s mixed start to his career.
Prasidh Krishna, in the debut Test, presented uninspiring figures of 20 overs, 93 runs at a 4.65 economy, with only one wicket to his credit. The concern heightened not just due to the stats but also his struggle to play a supportive role alongside other bowlers, especially when compared to standout performances by bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah.
Despite having height and potential advantages, Krishna emerged as the weakest link during the SA vs IND 1st Test. Notably, when he bowled in tandem with Shardul Thakur, South Africa’s batsmen, led by Dean Elgar, found their comfort zone, resulting in a formidable total of 408 on a challenging wicket.
Former India pacer Irfan Pathan highlighted Krishna’s shortcomings, pointing out that the bowler failed to hit the right length for South African pitches. Pathan emphasized the need for Krishna to adjust his length, opting for a fuller but not drivable length, similar to Rabada’s, to make a more significant impact.
As the team mulls over the second Test lineup, the return of Mukesh Kumar becomes a prominent consideration, adding an intriguing element to India’s approach against South Africa in the crucial series.
