Prasidh Krishna Targets Improved Economy and Length After Headingley Setback

Prasidh Krishna is determined to refine his bowling performance, specifically targeting his economy rate and length after a challenging outing.

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

With only four Tests under his belt, the bowler is already focused on improving his economy rate, which currently stands at 5.07 after 90 overs.

Krishna's economy became a significant concern during the defeat at Headingley, where he conceded 6.28 runs per over, while Shardul Thakur gave away 5.56. The inability of these change bowlers to maintain pressure exacerbated India's struggles once the opening spells of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj concluded.

"Every time I bowl, I aim to bowl a maiden over and avoid conceding boundaries," Krishna stated. He attributed his expensive spell at Headingley to a combination of factors, including the fast outfield and less-than-perfect length and line. He elaborated, "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 willingness to take risks for wickets, even if it means conceding runs. "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."

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 an overcompensation in his bowling strategy. He revealed that he bowled a significant number of deliveries – 104 out of 211 – short of a good length during the Test. While this length yielded three of his five wickets, it also resulted in a high economy of 7.54. Krishna explained that he was hesitant to bowl fuller deliveries due to the fear of being driven easily.

"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," Krishna admitted. He added that he adjusted his length in the second innings as the wicket slowed down.

With Jasprit Bumrah set to miss at least two of the remaining four Tests due to workload management, the onus will be on Krishna to step up and deliver both offensively and defensively.

Krishna also highlighted the importance of learning from experienced players like Bumrah. "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."

Beyond his bowling responsibilities, Krishna is also expected to contribute more with the bat, particularly after India's batting collapses at Headingley. He and the other lower-order batsmen have been working diligently in the nets to improve their batting performance.

"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."