ENG vs IND: India suffered a crushing defeat in the Headingley Test in June 2025, but a major reason for the defeat was Prasidh Krishna's bowling. He took five wickets, but also conceded 220 runs at an economy of 6.40—the worst figures by any Indian bowler in a Test innings. This figure was not just a bad day, but highlights his limited utility in overseas conditions.
Should India Rethink Prasidh Krishna’s Role in Overseas Tests?
Krishna's performance in domestic cricket and IPL has been excellent. Taking wickets at an average of 21 in first-class and winning the Purple Cap in IPL 2025 is a matter of pride for any fast bowler. But the test of Test matches is different. His performance in South Africa in 2023 was also mediocre, and now the same was repeated in England.
Krishna's high arm action, fast pace and bounce are beneficial in T20 and ODI. But Test cricket cannot be won only with pace. In England, the ball swings, batsmen are aggressive, and you have to stick to the same line and length again and again. The Karnataka fast bowler was seen falling apart here. Ben Duckett hit 17 fours and two sixes on his deliveries; this is an indication that the lack of consistency in line and length cost him dearly.
Deepening fast bowling crisis
With Mohammed Shami out and the possibility of Bumrah playing in limited Tests, India's fast bowling is already weak. In such a situation, if bowlers like Krishna concede runs, then the balance of the team is bound to deteriorate. There are other options like Mohammad Siraj and Akash Deep, but they also need a reliable bowler for a partnership.
Are Kamboj and Mukesh better options?
Names like Anshul Kamboj and Mukesh Kumar are coming up. Kamboj is a tad slower in pace, but his seam movement and control impressed for India A against England Lions. Mukesh is also performing consistently, even though his pace is limited. There is a strong discussion on social media that India should give a chance to these bowlers.
Prasidh Krishna cannot be ignored completely. He has the ability. However, in foreign Tests, the team needs performance, not just possibilities. At present, India has a chance to move ahead in the World Test Championship, and for that, accurate bowling is necessary in every Test.
Krishna is still a healthy option in the future, and hence should not be left out in the long term. However, bowlers like Mukesh Kumar and Anshul Kamboj, who are both out of the main squad, deserve a chance. Both of them have the ability to swing the ball nd bowl consistently at the nagging length and line. which is very important with the Dukes ball here in England, to complement the likes of Bumrah nd Siraj and build the pressure. Even, Akashdeep also deserves a go ahead of Krishna.
