Prasidh Krishna Targets Economy Rate Improvement After Headingley Struggles

Prasidh Krishna, with four Test matches under his belt, is determined to refine his bowling, particularly his economy rate. Currently sitting at 5.07 after 90 overs, Krishna recognizes this as an area needing immediate attention.

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

Identifying the Problem

The Headingley defeat highlighted the issue, with Krishna conceding 6.28 runs per over and Shardul Thakur 5.56. These figures underscore the bowlers' inability to maintain pressure, exacerbating India's struggles when Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj completed their spells.

Krishna acknowledged the need for improvement. "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 attributed his expensive spell at Headingley to imperfect lengths and lines, combined with the fast outfield.

Taking Responsibility

Krishna emphasized his focus on wickets while striving to keep the economy down and build pressure. "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."

He added, "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 Length

An analysis of Krishna's lengths revealed that he bowled a significant number of balls – 104 out of 211 – short of a good length during the Test. While this yielded three of his five wickets, the economy rate during these deliveries was a concerning 7.54. Krishna explained that he overcompensated due to a reluctance to bowl fuller deliveries that could be easily driven.

Addressing Technical Issues

Krishna admitted his lengths were not ideal in the first innings, aiming for the 6-8 metre range. He noted a slight improvement in the second innings due to the slower wicket, requiring him to adjust his pitching strategy.

He took "complete responsibility" for not adapting quickly enough, citing the slope as a factor he needed to adjust to.

Stepping Up in Bumrah's Absence

With India expected to be without Jasprit Bumrah for at least two of the remaining four Tests due to workload management, Krishna faces increased responsibility in both attacking and defensive roles.

Learning from Peers

Krishna highlighted the team's culture of mutual learning, even from experienced players like Bumrah. He acknowledged that while experience is invaluable, the team is excited and views the situation as an opportunity for growth, with players like Siraj ready to step up.

Contributing with the Bat

Beyond bowling, Krishna is expected to contribute more with the bat, especially after India's batting collapses at Headingley. The lower-order batsmen are working diligently in the nets, focusing on trusting their skills and staying at the crease longer. "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."