Indian cricket fans witnessed a disappointing performance in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, where Team India suffered a 4-wicket defeat. While cricket is always a team game, the spotlight in this match fell strongly on fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, whose expensive spell became one of the biggest talking points of the series. Many cricket followers are expressing frustration, claiming that Prasidh Krishna has become a burden on the team due to his inconsistent bowling.
Prasidh Krishna’s Costly Spell: 8.2 Overs, 85 Runs
In the crucial second ODI, South Africa chased down India’s total of 358 with ease. Despite setting a competitive score, India’s bowling attack struggled to create pressure at any stage.
The most concerning performance came from Prasidh Krishna, who conceded 85 runs in just 8.2 overs, making it the most expensive spell of his ODI career.
Although he did manage to pick up two wickets, the lack of control in line, length, and variations allowed South African batters to dominate throughout his spell. Boundaries came freely, and the momentum shifted rapidly in the Proteas’ favour. This is why many fans argue that the match slipped away due to the leaking runs from his end.
Is Prasidh Krishna Becoming a Burden for Team India?
The criticism on social media has been intense. Fans believe that the Indian team could not defend 358 simply because the bowling unit failed to maintain discipline, and Prasidh’s expensive overs added immense pressure on the rest of the attack.
While every bowler has an off day, the concern here is the pattern of inconsistency. Prasidh’s recent performances show that he tends to go for runs when the team needs control the most. In international cricket, especially in high-scoring games, a bowler must deliver at least a few tight overs to keep the opposition in check. Unfortunately, that did not happen in Raipur.
Questions Raised on Team Selection and Gautam Gambhir
Apart from Krishna, fans have also questioned Head Coach Gautam Gambhir’s selection strategy. Many are asking why Prasidh Krishna continues to receive regular opportunities despite struggling to deliver match-winning spells.
Meanwhile, seasoned bowlers like Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and promising talent Akashdeep Singh have shown excellent form in domestic and international cricket but are still not featuring consistently in the playing XI.
This selection debate has sparked discussions about whether team management is giving enough weight to current form and match readiness. Critics feel Gambhir’s trust in Prasidh has not paid off so far, especially in high-pressure matches.
Need for Better Death Bowling and Strategic Planning
One of India’s recurring issues in ODI cricket is death bowling. Without consistency in yorkers, slower balls, and variation, the opposition easily targets bowlers in the last 10–15 overs. Prasidh Krishna, known for his height and bounce, has the potential to be a strike bowler, but he must improve control under pressure.
To compete with top teams, India needs bowlers who can:
- Maintain tight economy rates
- Execute variations in death overs
- Build partnerships with other bowlers
- Handle pressure situations effectively
The loss in Raipur was a wake-up call for Team India. While Prasidh Krishna faced heavy criticism for his expensive spell, this moment could also serve as an opportunity for him to reflect, improve, and come back stronger. India has a rich pool of pace-bowling talent, and competitive selection will only strengthen the team moving forward.
In cricket, form can change quickly. Fans hope that Prasidh Krishna regains his rhythm soon and silences the criticism with strong performances in upcoming matches.