Following India's recent Test win against England at the Oval, Prasidh Krishna has been the subject of considerable discussion and analysis. While he silenced some doubters with an eight-wicket haul in that match, his childhood coach, P Srinivasa Murthy, has urged him to emulate Jasprit Bumrah, setting a new benchmark for the young pacer. This advice comes in the wake of scrutiny over Krishna's economy and consistency, particularly when compared to Bumrah's stellar record.
Murthy emphasized the importance of bowling partnerships, highlighting how Krishna complemented Mohammed Siraj in the Oval Test. He noted that Siraj couldn't have won the match alone, and that Krishna's contribution was vital in securing the series-leveling victory. However, Murthy also stressed the need for Krishna to improve continuously and maintain fitness across all formats of the game, ultimately striving to become "just like Bumrah".
The comparison to Bumrah isn't new. Statistically, Prasidh Krishna has a slightly higher wicket tally (65 vs 63) after a similar number of IPL matches as Jasprit Bumrah. However, Bumrah holds a clear edge in key performance indicators like bowling average and economy rate. After 59 IPL matches, Prasidh Krishna boasts a bowling average of 29.67 and a strike rate of 20.48, compared to Jasprit Bumrah's bowling average of 29.32 and a strike rate of 22.27 in his first 59 IPL games. Krishna's economy rate of 8.69 is also higher than Bumrah's 7.90 in their first 59 IPL matches.
Former India bowler Irfan Pathan has also weighed in on the discussion, pointing out that Krishna's economy in the first Test against England was a concern. Pathan noted that Bumrah's T20 economy is around the same mark, implying that Krishna needs to work on his consistency and control. Despite taking five wickets in the match, Krishna's expensive spells drew criticism, with Pathan emphasizing the need for him to learn to bowl in consistent areas according to the batter.
Despite the criticism, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has offered words of encouragement for Krishna, suggesting that he has "all the ingredients of becoming a very good Test match bowler". Krishna's height and pace are definite assets, and with guidance and experience, he has the potential to develop into a leading bowler for India.
Krishna himself has expressed admiration for Bumrah, acknowledging his ability to keep things simple and execute under pressure. He revealed that he had the opportunity to work alongside Bumrah during their recovery period at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), learning valuable lessons about preparation and responding to in-game situations.
While comparisons to Bumrah may seem daunting, they also highlight the high expectations and potential that Prasidh Krishna possesses. He has already demonstrated his ability to take wickets and contribute to crucial victories. By focusing on improving his consistency, economy, and overall control, Krishna can undoubtedly strive towards becoming a bowler who is relied upon in all formats of the game, much like Jasprit Bumrah.
