Prasidh Krishna Eyes Redemption: Focus on Economy Rate and Length Control After Headingley Setback

Prasidh Krishna, with only four Test appearances, is already focusing on refining his game. His current economy rate of 5.07 after bowling 90 overs is a key area he wants to improve.

After an expensive outing in Leeds, the 29-year-old Prasidh Krishna is keen to make amends © Getty

Krishna's economy rate became a significant concern following the defeat at Headingley, where he conceded 6.28 runs per over, while Shardul Thakur gave away 5.56. As the team's change bowlers, neither could maintain sufficient pressure after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj concluded their spells.

"Each time I bowl, my aim is to bowl a maiden over and avoid giving away boundaries," Krishna stated. He acknowledged that the fast outfield at Headingley, coupled with imperfect lengths and lines, contributed to his expensive spell. Edges and attempted bouncers also resulted in runs.

He further elaborated on his approach, "If focusing on wickets, even if it means conceding a four or a six, leads to a breakthrough like Jamie Smith's dismissal, I'm willing to do it. However, my primary objective is always to keep the economy down and build pressure."

Following discussions with teammates, Krishna emphasized his commitment to improvement. "I definitely want to bring that [economy] down to the best I can, and I think I'm learning. It's my responsibility to get better, and that's what I'm working on. I want to ensure I put in the right kind of work and come back with better numbers," he added.

Krishna also reflected on his bowling lengths. At Headingley, a ground traditionally favoring bowlers who hit the good length area (6-8 meters), he bowled a significant 104 out of 211 deliveries short of that mark. While this strategy yielded three of his five wickets, it also resulted in a high concession rate of 7.54. Krishna attributed this overcompensation to his reluctance to bowl fuller and risk being driven easily.

He admitted, "In the first innings, I bowled shorter than ideal, that 6 to 8 meter length is ideal. The second innings was slightly better because the wicket was slower. I had to pitch a few slightly behind it and then go slightly fuller when trying to get a wicket."

Krishna acknowledged the need to adjust his lengths and admitted his struggles with the slope at the ground. "I did not bowl the lengths I wanted. Not wanting to float it up there is one of the reasons, and it honestly took me some time to get used to the slope. There are no reasons why I shouldn't be able to do it as a professional, but I take complete responsibility and maybe I'll do it better next time."

With Jasprit Bumrah expected to miss at least two of the remaining four Tests as part of workload management, Krishna will face increased responsibility, both in attack and defense.

He emphasized the team's culture of mutual learning, stating, "We are learning off each other, no matter who's there. [Bumrah] has been talking to all of us, even before coming here."

Krishna highlighted the importance of experience, saying, "One thing you cannot get is experience, that you have to do it yourself. Everybody is excited. Siraj has played a lot of games and will continue playing. Whoever comes in, it's a great experience and an opportunity for us."

Beyond his bowling, Krishna is also expected to contribute more with the bat, especially after India's batting collapses at Headingley. The lower-order batsmen have been working hard in the nets, and Krishna is aware of the need to value his wicket.

"As lower order batsmen, we are working on it. In our nets session, we are putting in the work. It is about putting your mind in there as well, trusting yourself and your skill, and being there at the crease for a little longer. The runs are going to show, and we are working towards it."