India Eyes Series Turnaround After Test Loss; Prasidh Krishna Backs Team Mindset Amid Bumrah's Absence

Following a setback in the opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at Headingley, Leeds, the Indian cricket team is focusing on the remainder of the five-match series. Despite the defeat, India's management remains committed to managing the workload of key players like Jasprit Bumrah.

Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah strategizing during a match.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Tests, a decision made before the series began. "We need to manage his workload. The scoreline doesn’t change that… he will play three Tests only," Gambhir stated.

This situation presents an opportunity for other pacers like Prasidh Krishna to step up and contribute.

"What a culture we guys have created. We are learning from each other, no matter who's there or who's around," Prasidh told reporters in Birmingham.

He highlighted the team's positive environment and the ongoing learning process, even with Bumrah's presence.

"And with Booms (Bumrah) around, he's been talking to all of us throughout, even before coming here. At least for me, I've been part of this team for a few years now, so the conversations are still going on. One thing you cannot get is experience — you have to go through it yourself. And yeah, I think all of us are excited," Prasidh explained. He emphasized the importance of experience and the team's excitement for the challenges ahead.

Prasidh also acknowledged the significance of the opportunity for players like Siraj, who has gained considerable experience, and any newcomers who may join the squad. "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," he added.

England's Historic Win and India's Response

England's victory in the first Test was noteworthy, marking the first time in over 60,000 first-class matches that a team conceded five individual centuries and successfully chased down a target exceeding 300 runs. Despite Rishabh Pant's two centuries and India's total of 835 runs in the match, batting collapses proved costly.

Prasidh addressed any concerns about dressing room morale, asserting, "The dressing room is still positive, happy, and very, very motivated." He emphasized the team's awareness of the opportunity and their determination to execute their plans.

"Like I said, we came here knowing what this opportunity meant for all of us. And even in the game today, we might have looked quiet at times, but I think we still had a plan," he said. "We wanted to do something, and we went about doing it — we got two wickets in a cluster, twice. So that kept the motivation going... We made sure that until the last run was scored, we were still fighting and making them work hard for it."

Prasidh's Performance and Areas for Improvement

While Bumrah shone with five wickets in the first innings, the supporting bowlers, including Prasidh, faced challenges. Prasidh acknowledged his expensive spells and inconsistency, stating, "I’m learning."

He picked up three wickets in the first innings but gave away 128 runs in 20 overs (economy 6.40). In the second innings, he claimed two more but conceded 92 runs in 15 overs (economy 6.10).

"I definitely want to bring that number down — to the best I can... It’s my responsibility to get better, and that’s what I’m trying. That’s what I’m working on. I just want to make sure I put in the right kind of work and come back here with better numbers," Prasidh affirmed.

He also discussed his bowling strategy and the importance of maintaining a low economy rate while building pressure.

"Every time I come out to bowl, I’m definitely looking to bowl a maiden. I’m not really trying to give away boundaries or anything... But yes, every time I bowl, I’m looking to keep the economy rate down and build pressure," the pacer added.

Prasidh on Captain Gill

This series marks Shubman Gill's first stint as India's Test captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement. Prasidh, who has played under Gill at Gujarat Titans, praised his captaincy.

"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," Prasidh noted. "He spotted opportunities and used the right bowlers accordingly... And knowing him, he created a very good atmosphere around the team."

Prasidh concluded by highlighting the team's communication, preparation, and focus on improving their skills, particularly among the lower-order batsmen. "As lower-order batsmen, we are definitely working on our game... I think 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 said.