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Explained: Why India Ignored Arshdeep And Picked Prasidh Krishna For 5th Test vs England

Debashis Sarangi

Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh [Source: AFP, @journalistscoop/X]Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh [Source: AFP, @journalistscoop/X]

In a significant development, England won the toss and opted to bowl first in the decider of the ongoing five-match series against India at Kennington Oval. At toss, Indian captain Shubman Gill confirmed that the visitors have made three changes to their playing XI. 

While Dhruv Jurel and Karun Nair replace Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur, respectively, Prasidh Krishna has made his way back into the playing XI, with India resting Jasprit Bumrah for this match. 

Why Did India Pick Prasidh Over Arshdeep Singh?

When several reports claimed that Jasprit Bumrah was going to be rested, fans and experts expected Arshdeep Singh to make his Test debut at Kennington Oval. However, the Indian management surprised everyone, picking Prasidh Krishna over him for the all-important decider. 

As the Arshdeep vs Prasidh debate grabs the limelight, here are several reasons why India might have taken the call. 

Prasidh's ability to hit the deck adds an extra dimension to Indian bowling

  • Prasidh Krishna is known for his ability to hit the deck hard. India already have two high-quality seam bowlers in Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, while the latter can swing the new ball and deceive the batters with his three-quarter delivery as well. 
  • Therefore, Prasidh brings variety to the table, unlike Arshdeep, who basically depends on swing and seam like the other two bowlers. 

Prasidh's extra pace makes him a tricky customer

  • Both Akash Deep and Siraj operate in the mid-130 KPH when it comes to red-ball cricket. Arshdeep, despite being a left-arm pacer, bowls around that pace. 
  • However, Prasidh is the only Indian seamer who can trouble the English batters with raw pace, being capable of clocking the elite 145 KPH mark. He is a tall fast bowler and can take advantage of his height to cause discomfort for the hosts on Oval's green surface. 

Prasidh Has Prior Experience, Management Showing Trust Over First-Choice Players

  • Prasidh Krishna has played Test matches in England earlier in the ongoing series. Although he had a topsy-turvy start, the fast bowler delivered a praiseworthy spell in the second innings of the Edgbaston Test. 
  • Thus, India preferred him for his experience as handing Arshdeep his Test debut cap could've been risky in the do-or-die encounter. 
  • Also, by giving Prasidh another opportunity, the Indian management showcased its knack for backing the first-choice players rather than chopping and changing with the combination. This gives a sense of security to every player, encouraging them to give their best in the transition period.