Prasidh Krishna Vows to Sharpen Bowling, Trim Economy Rate After England Test

Prasidh Krishna, the Indian bowler, is determined to improve his bowling lengths and economy rate following the recent Test match against England. With only four Tests under his belt, the 29-year-old is focusing on addressing his economy rate of 5.07, which he considers a key area for improvement.

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

Addressing Concerns After Headingley Defeat

Krishna's economy rate became a significant concern during the Headingley Test defeat, where he conceded 6.28 runs per over. Similarly, Shardul Thakur's economy was also high at 5.56. Their inability to maintain pressure as change bowlers exacerbated India's challenges, particularly after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj completed their spells.

Intent on Reducing Boundaries

Krishna explained his approach: "Every time I come into bowl, I'm definitely looking to bowl a maiden, and I'm not really trying to give away boundaries or anything. The outfield [at Headingley] was fast, the lengths, lines that I bowled were not perfect to be honest at most times, and they took me on. Some of them were edges, some of them I tried bowling bouncers, I ended up giving runs."

He further elaborated on his mindset: "So I think somebody in the team had to do it, and if I sit back and say, 'I want to look at my numbers, what my economy is,' and not really look at the wickets, it cost me a 4 and a 6, and then Jamie Smith got out, so if it means that I do that and get a wicket, I'm happy to do it, but definitely every time I come on to the bowl, I am looking to keep the economy down and build the pressure up."

Taking Responsibility and Aiming for Improvement

Krishna acknowledged the need for improvement and emphasized his commitment: "I had a few conversations with a few of them about this game. I definitely would want to bring that [economy] down to whatever best I can do, and yeah, I think I'm learning as well, I can't say anything, it's up to me, it's my responsibility to get better, and that's what I'm trying, that's what I'm working on, and I just want to make sure I put in the right kind of work and come back here and put up better numbers."

Analyzing Bowling Lengths

Krishna highlighted the importance of bowling lengths. In the Headingley Test, he bowled a significant number of balls (104 out of 211) short of a good length. While this approach earned him three wickets, it also resulted in a high concession rate of 7.54 runs per over. Krishna admitted this was partly due to his reluctance to bowl fuller deliveries.

Adjusting to Conditions

Krishna addressed his first innings performance: "No, I think if I look at the first innings, I was a little too short than where I wanted to be, that 6 to 8 [metre length] is ideal. Yeah, that's what I would say. I think the second innings got slightly better because again, the wicket was slightly slower. I had to pitch a few slightly behind it and then go slightly fuller when I'm trying to get a wicket."

He added, "So yeah, I definitely did not bowl the lengths that I wanted. Yeah, I think so... not wanting to float it up there is definitely one of the reasons, and also, it honestly took me some time to get used to the slope, that's why, yeah, no reasons why I shouldn't be able to do it as a professional, but I take complete responsibility about it, and maybe I'll do it better next time."

Stepping Up in Bumrah's Absence

With Jasprit Bumrah expected to miss at least two of the remaining four Tests, Krishna faces increased responsibility, both in attack and defense.

Learning from Peers

Krishna emphasized the team's collaborative environment: "What the culture that we guys have created is we are learning off each other, no matter who's there, who's around. He's [Bumrah] been talking to all of us all though, even before coming here."

He continued, "At least for me, I've been part of this team for a few years now, so the conversations are still going on. One thing you cannot get is experience, that you have to do it yourself, and yeah, I think all of us are excited. If you look at the team, everybody is here, Siraj has played a lot of games, he's going to continue playing, and then whoever comes in, or whatever happens later, it's a great experience, and it's an opportunity for us to be here."

Contributing with the Bat

Beyond his bowling, Krishna is also focusing on improving his batting, particularly after India's batting collapses at Headingley. The lower-order batsmen are working hard in the nets to contribute more effectively.

Valuing His Wicket

"As the lower order batsmen, we definitely are working on it... if you look at our nets session, we are putting in the work, I think it is about putting your mind in there as well, making sure you trust yourself, trust the skill that you have, and be there at the crease for a little longer, and then the numbers and the runs are going to show, and we are working towards it," Krishna concluded.