India vs. England: Prasidh Krishna on Team's Positive Mindset Amid Bumrah's Managed Workload

Following a setback in the opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley, Leeds, which saw England take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, the Indian team is focused on managing the workload of their key pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.

Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah discuss strategy.

Despite the loss, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Tests, a decision predetermined before the series commenced. "We need to manage his workload," Gambhir stated, emphasizing that the current scoreline would not alter their plan.

In Bumrah’s absence, Prasidh Krishna sees an opportunity to step up. "We are learning from each other, no matter who's there," Prasidh told reporters in Birmingham, highlighting the positive team culture. He emphasized the value of experience, noting that "One thing you cannot get is experience — you have to go through it yourself."

He further elaborated on the team's perspective: "If you look at the team, everybody is here. Siraj has played a lot of games, he's going to continue playing, and whoever comes in — or whatever happens later — it's a great experience and an opportunity. That’s the way we look at it."

England's recent victory was a historic one. They became the first team in over 60,000 first-class matches to successfully chase down a target exceeding 300 runs, despite conceding five individual centuries.

Krishna also dismissed any concerns about the team's morale. "The dressing room is still positive, happy, and very, very motivated," he affirmed. He emphasized the team's proactive approach, stating, "We made sure that until the last run was scored, we were still fighting and making them work hard for it."

While Bumrah impressed with five wickets in the first innings, the supporting bowlers faced challenges. Prasidh, in particular, acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "I definitely want to bring that number down — to the best I can. And I think I’m learning as well." He took three wickets in the first innings while giving away 128 runs in 20 overs. In the second innings, he claimed two more wickets, conceding 92 runs in 15 overs.

Addressing his economy rate, Prasidh explained, "Every time I come out to bowl, I’m definitely looking to bowl a maiden... I’m looking to keep the economy rate down and build pressure." He also reflected on his bowling lengths, admitting, "I definitely didn’t bowl the lengths I wanted to."

Prasidh also commented on Shubman Gill’s captaincy, noting that it is Gill’s first as India’s Test captain after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Prasidh has experience playing under Gill at Gujarat Titans. "About Shubman — yeah, I think he did a pretty good job. All of us saw how he rotated the bowlers, made sure everyone got enough breaks, and brought bowlers in at the right times… he created a very good atmosphere around the team."

In conclusion, Prasidh emphasized the team's commitment to improvement and their focus on the upcoming matches. "As lower-order batsmen, we are definitely working on our game... It’s also about putting your mind into it — making sure you trust yourself, trust the skill you have, and stay at the crease a little longer. The runs and numbers will then follow. And we are working towards that," he stated.