3 reasons why India should play Prasidh Krishna in 1st Test 11 of BGT 2024-25
Following a 0-3 series drubbing at the hands of New Zealand, India will face an uphill task of getting their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign back on track. They will be up against a resurgent Australian side in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy slated to commence on November 22.
India might have to take a few harsh decisions especially given the form of some of their top players. It is being widely reported that the series Down Under could be the final one for at least two of the senior players among Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.
We might see a few surprise inclusions in the playing XI of the Indian team for the opening Test at Perth. Following Dhruv Jurel’s exceptional showing in the second unofficial Test against Australia A, he has more or less secured his place in the XI.
In the bowling department, it was Prasidh Krishna who made a significant impression in the two-Test series against Australia A and could be a preferred choice for the opening Test at Perth. Prasidh’s style of bowling could be a big help for India in Australian conditions.
Here are three possible reasons why Prasidh Krishna should be part of the playing XI in the opening BGT Test:
# 1. Prasidh is naturally a hit-the-deck bowler which suits Australian pitches
What makes Prasidh Krishna a potent weapon in Australian conditions is his natural abilities as a bowler. He is predominantly a hit-the-deck bowler and relies on seam movement more than swing in the air to put the opposition batters in trouble.
Over the years, we have seen the Australian pitches being conducive for bowlers who consistently hit the length, rather than bowling fuller. Prasidh can move the ball both in the air and off the surface.
He could be a handy pick in the Perth Test. While the Optus Stadium in Perth might not have the traits of the WACA which used to be the fastest Australian pitch, it is still expected to offer pace and bounce.
# 2. Prasidh’s form for India A ahead of the Test series
Another factor which is very important while picking a playing XI is the current form. The Indian contingent was blown away by New Zealand in the home Test series and it will be better off to include some new faces in the playing XI, who don't carry the load of a series drubbing at home.
Prasidh will come into the Test series on the back of some impressive performances in the two unofficial Tests against Australia A. He was lethal with the new ball and kept troubling the top-order batters with his awkward lengths and seam movement.
He bagged 10 wickets in the two Tests against Australia A at an incredible average of 17.30. Given his recent form in Australia, it could end up being a masterstroke if he gets a chance in the playing XI.
# 3. Prasidh is the quickest among the Indian bowlers
Akash Deep has been a perfect foil for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in home conditions. However, when touring Australia, you need someone who can consistently hit the 140 mark and Prasidh Krishna is someone who does that on a regular basis.
Bumrah and Siraj are expected to start in Perth and Prasidh could be the third pace option given his recent exploits and ability to hurry batters. He is also the quickest among the lot which could be beneficial in Australian surfaces.