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'Unsure About Him' - Gavaskar Raises Questions Over RR Pacer's Fitness Ahead Of First IND-SA Test

image-lql5eu5dPrasidh Krishna is in contention to play the Centurion Test. (PTI)

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar is hesitant about Prasidh Krishna's preparedness for the demands of Test cricket as India gears up for a two-match series against South Africa.

Team India is gearing up for the first Test in Centurion against South Africa, commencing on December 26, as they aim to secure their first Test series victory in the Rainbow Nation. After registering a memorable win in the ODI series, the focus now shifts to the two-match Test series, considered as the toughest challenge in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

However, India will be without some of the key players in the series. Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Mohammed Shami, who was ruled out due to injury, pose concerns for the team. Shami's prowess in navigating the bouncy and pace-friendly conditions of South Africa will be sorely missed, prompting the need for a suitable replacement. Even Rohit Sharma mentioned Shami’s absence as a big loss for the team.

In the absence of Shami, India will have to make strategic decisions to bolster their pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Two potential candidates, Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar, stand out in the squad, each offering distinct attributes to complement the fast-bowling lineup.

Gavaskar expressed some reservations about Prasidh Krishna's readiness for Test cricket, particularly questioning his fitness for extended spells. Gavaskar emphasized the need for Krishna to prove himself capable of bowling 15-20 overs in a day. Despite concerns, Gavaskar acknowledged that a successful performance by Krishna would ultimately benefit the Indian team.

"I am not sure about Prasidh Krishna. He has come back from an injury. If he is required to bowl 15-20 overs in the day, I am not sure if he will be able to do that. I hope he proves me wrong because if anybody proves me wrong, that means India are doing well and if India are doing well, I am very happy,”  Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

The skiddy pacer has long been part of the Test squad pipeline. In a recent fixture for India A against South Africa A, he showed his class with the ball by securing a five-wicket haul in the first innings, including a hat-trick. His tall frame and ability to generate bounce set him apart, resembling the attributes of Ishant Sharma.

With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj contributing pace and movement, Prasidh Krishna's inclusion adds the crucial element of bounce to the bowling unit. The South African pitches, renowned for their suitability to such skills, provide an opportune stage for Prasidh to demonstrate his capabilities.