Prasidh Krishna Vows to Sharpen Bowling Accuracy and Cut Run Rate in Upcoming Tests

Prasidh Krishna, with four Tests under his belt, is focusing on improving his economy rate. The current rate of 5.07 after 90 overs is a key area he is determined to address.

Prasidh Krishna looking to bounce back after conceding runs in Leeds © Getty

His economy rate became a significant concern during the defeat at Headingley, where he conceded 6.28 runs per over, while Shardul Thakur went for 5.56. As the change bowlers, neither managed to maintain pressure, exacerbating India's struggles after the spells of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

"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," Krishna stated. He admitted that the fast outfield at Headingley, coupled with less-than-ideal lengths and lines, contributed to his expensive spell. Edges and miscalculated bouncers further added to the run flow.

Krishna emphasized his commitment to taking wickets even if it means conceding runs initially. "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." However, he reiterated his primary goal of keeping the economy down and building pressure.

Following conversations with team members, Krishna is determined to improve his economy. "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." He aims to put in the necessary work to deliver better numbers in future matches.

A closer look at his lengths reveals that during the Test, Krishna bowled 104 of his 211 balls short of a good length (6-8 metre mark), despite Headingley historically favoring bowlers who hit the fuller length. While he picked up three of his five wickets with this shorter length, he also conceded runs at a rate of 7.54. Krishna explained that this overcompensation stemmed from his reluctance to bowl full and invite easy drives.

He acknowledged that his lengths in the first innings were too short, with the ideal length being in the 6 to 8-meter range. He felt his lengths improved slightly in the second innings due to the slower wicket, requiring him to pitch the ball slightly behind and then go fuller when seeking wickets.

Krishna took "complete responsibility" for not bowling the desired lengths, attributing it to a reluctance to bowl too full and a period of adjustment to the slope. He added that he will focus on improving this aspect of his game.

With Jasprit Bumrah set to miss at least two of the remaining four Tests as part of a workload management plan, Krishna recognizes the increased responsibility on his shoulders, both in terms of attacking and containing runs.

Krishna highlighted the team's culture of mutual learning, emphasizing that conversations with Bumrah and other experienced players continue to be valuable. While experience is crucial and can only be gained through playing, he believes the team is excited and views Bumrah's absence as an opportunity for others to step up.

Beyond his bowling responsibilities, Krishna is also aware of the need to contribute more with the bat, particularly after India's batting collapses at Headingley. The lower-order batsmen have been working hard in the nets, and Krishna understands the importance of valuing his wicket and spending more time at the crease.

"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."