Prasidh Krishna Vows to Sharpen Lengths, Curb Economy Rate After Headingley Setback

Prasidh Krishna, the Indian bowler, is determined to improve his lengths and economy rate after acknowledging his recent performance fell short of expectations. With just four Tests under his belt, the 29-year-old is focusing on addressing his economy rate, which currently stands at 5.07 after 90 overs.

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

Krishna's economy became a significant concern following 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 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 and his imperfect lengths and lines contributed to his expensive spell.

Krishna emphasized his commitment to taking wickets, even if it means risking a few runs. "I think somebody in the team had to do it, and 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."

He acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "I definitely would want to bring that [economy] down to whatever best I can do... 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 noted that he bowled a significant number of balls short of a good length during the Test. While this approach yielded three wickets, it also resulted in a high concession rate of 7.54. He attributed this to his reluctance to bowl fuller deliveries that could be easily driven.

"I was a little too short than where I wanted to be, that 6 to 8 [metre length] is ideal," Krishna explained. He added that he needed time to adjust to the slope at the ground, taking "complete responsibility" for his performance.

With Jasprit Bumrah set to miss at least two of the remaining four Tests due to workload management, Krishna recognizes the increased responsibility on his shoulders, both in terms of attacking and defensive bowling.

He highlighted the team's culture of learning from each other, emphasizing the importance of experience. "One thing you cannot get is experience, that you have to do it yourself... it's a great experience, and it's an opportunity for us to be here."

Beyond his bowling, Krishna is also focused on contributing more with the bat, particularly after India's batting collapses at Headingley. He and the other lower-order batsmen have been working hard in the nets, aiming to put a higher value on their wickets.

"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."