Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has launched a scathing attack on Prasidh Krishna ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand. Kaif questioned the Indian team management’s decision to continue supporting Prasidh despite it being costly in most matches while Arshdeep Singh remained on the bench.
India’s squad choices have come under scrutiny after Arshdeep Singh was left out of the playing XI for the first two ODIs against New Zealand. Arshdeep has proven himself in T20Is but has had limited opportunities in the 50-over format even though he has been part of the ODI line-up for over a year.
For the opening matches, the team management preferred Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana in the pace attack. The decision has raised questions, especially as India went into the Games without a left-arm fast bowler, a gap that Arshdeep could have filled.
Prasidh Krishna always goes for a run – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif said that Prasidh Krishna is conceding too many runs in most of the matches. Kaif wondered why Arshdeep Singh has been left out while Prasidh continues to get opportunities. He added that India must learn to defend scores like 270 or 280 if they want to succeed in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“You are leaving out Arshdeep, who is a wicket-taker and wants to groom Prasidh Krishna. He always goes for runs, except in a game or two. If someone says 280 runs was less and that’s why India couldn’t win, then I don’t see this team winning the World Cup,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
“Sometimes it is 15 to 20 runs under par. If you want to win the World Cup, you also have to learn to win matches by 270 to 280 runs. You have to learn to win matches with the ball when the score is under par,” he added.
Spotlight on Prasidh Krishna ahead of the series-deciding ODI
With the ODI series level at 1-1, attention turns to the selection for the decider on Sunday. The spotlight is on Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to decide if a change is needed to bring more balance and variety to India’s bowling attack.
India scored 284/7 in the second ODI but could not defend it at all. The bowlers will be under pressure to respond in the final match, which will be played in Indore on Sunday, January 18.
Prasidh Krishna finished with figures of 1/49 from nine overs at an economy rate of 5.4 in the second ODI. He has taken 40 wickets in 23 ODIs but admits an overall economy of 6.02. The pacer registered figures of 1/48, 2/85, 4/66, 2/60 and 1/49 in his last five outings.
In comparison, Arshdeep Singh has taken 22 wickets in 14 ODIs while maintaining a lower economy rate of 5.29, adding weight to the debate ahead of the series decider.
You’ll Have to Learn This – Mohammad Kaif on Dew Factor
Mohammad Kaif said dew should not be used as a reason for India’s bowlers struggling in the second ODI against New Zealand. Kaif added that such conditions are common and unavoidable and the Indian team has to find ways to bowl even a wet ball.
“There will always be dew. I think there should be less focus on these things and more focus on the method of winning. See how you can bowl even in the dew. You will have to learn this,” Kaif said.
India has a good record at the Holkar Stadium, having won all five international matches played there. They recorded wins at the venue against England in 2006 and 2008, West Indies in 2011, South Africa in 2015 and Australia in 2017.
Also read: Shubman Gill brings special INR 3 lakh water purifier to Indore ahead of 3rd ODI vs New Zealand
#Prasidh #Krishna #brutally #challenged #Indias #run #machine #exRCB #star