Prasidh Krishna Targets Sharper Bowling Lengths, Lower Economy Rate After Test Performance Review

Prasidh Krishna is determined to refine his bowling lengths and economy rate following his recent Test appearances. Despite having played only four Tests, his economy rate of 5.07 across 90 overs has become a focal point for improvement.

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

The Headingley defeat amplified these concerns, with Krishna conceding at 6.28 and Shardul Thakur at 5.56. Their inability to maintain pressure as change bowlers exacerbated India's challenges after spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Krishna acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "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. 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. Some of them were edges, some of them I tried bowling bouncers, I ended up giving runs."

He further elaborated on his approach, "So 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, but definitely every time I come on to the bowl, I am looking to keep the economy down and build the pressure up."

Krishna emphasized his commitment to improvement: "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, and yeah, I think I'm learning as well, I can't say anything, it's up to me, 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 Lengths and Adjustments

Krishna highlighted the significance of length, noting that at Headingley, he bowled a considerable number of balls (104 out of 211) short of a good length. While this strategy earned him three wickets, it also resulted in a high concession rate of 7.54. He attributed this to his hesitation to bowl fuller deliveries that could be easily driven.

"No, I think 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. Yeah, that's what I would say. I think the second innings got slightly better because again, the wicket was slightly slower. I had to pitch a few slightly behind it and then go slightly fuller when I'm trying to get a wicket," Krishna explained.

He added, "So yeah, I definitely did not bowl the lengths that I wanted. Yeah, I think so... not wanting to float it up there is definitely one of the reasons, and also, it honestly took me some time to get used to the slope, that's why, yeah, no reasons why I shouldn't be able to do it as a professional, but I take complete responsibility about it, and maybe I'll do it better next time."

Stepping Up in Bumrah's Absence

With Jasprit Bumrah expected to miss at least two of the remaining Tests, Krishna recognizes the increased responsibility on his shoulders, both in attacking and defensive roles.

"What the culture that we guys have created is we are learning off each other, no matter who's there, who's around. He's [Bumrah] been talking to all of us all though, even before coming here," Krishna said.

"At least for me, I've been part of this team for a few years now, so the conversations are still going on. One thing you cannot get is experience, that you have to do it yourself, and yeah, I think all of us are excited. If you look at the team, everybody is here, Siraj has played a lot of games, he's going to continue playing, and then whoever comes in, or whatever happens later, it's a great experience, and it's an opportunity for us to be here."

Contributing with the Bat

Following India's batting collapses at Headingley, Krishna is also focused on improving his contribution with the bat. The lower-order batsmen have been diligently working in the nets, and Krishna understands the importance of valuing his wicket.

"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."