Prasidh Krishna Vows to Sharpen Length, Cut Run Rate After Headingley Expense

Prasidh Krishna is determined to improve his bowling economy rate and length control after identifying them as key areas for improvement in his Test career.

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

With an economy rate of 5.07 after 90 overs in his four Test matches, Krishna recognizes the need to be more economical.

His economy rate became a focal point after the defeat at Headingley, where he conceded 6.28 runs per over, while Shardul Thakur went at 5.56. Their inability to maintain pressure as change bowlers exacerbated India's challenges once the opening spells of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj concluded.

"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 a combination of the fast outfield and imperfect lengths. "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."

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: "definitely every time I come on to the bowl, I am looking to keep the economy down and build the pressure up."

Following discussions with team members, Krishna is focused on improving his economy rate. "I definitely would want to bring that [economy] down to whatever best I can do, and yeah, I think I'm learning as well...it's my responsibility to get better, and that's what I'm trying, that's what I'm working on."

Analyzing his lengths, Krishna acknowledged that he bowled too short at Headingley. While this strategy earned him three wickets, it also resulted in a high concession rate of 7.54. He explained that he overcompensated by bowling shorter to avoid pitching the ball up for easy drives.

"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." He added that his lengths improved slightly in the second innings due to the slower wicket conditions. Krishna also took responsibility for not adjusting to the slope of the ground effectively. "I take complete responsibility about it, and maybe I'll do it better next time."

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

Krishna highlighted the team's culture of mutual learning, emphasizing the importance of experience. "One thing you cannot get is experience, that you have to do it yourself, and yeah, I think all of us are excited...it's a great experience, and it's an opportunity for us to be here."

Beyond his bowling, Krishna is also aware of the need to contribute with the bat, particularly after India's batting collapses at Headingley. The lower-order batsmen have been working hard in the nets, and Krishna is focused on placing a higher value on his wicket.

"As the lower order batsmen, we definitely are working on it... 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."