India Seeks Series Rebound; Prasidh Krishna Confident Despite Bumrah's Workload Management OR India Aims to Level Series as Krishna Backs Bowling Depth Amid Bumrah's Limited Test Role

Following a setback in the opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at Headingley, Leeds, the Indian team is focused on regrouping and leveling the five-match series. The spotlight is also on managing the workload of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah during a team discussion.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir clarified that, despite the loss, Bumrah will adhere to the pre-series plan of participating in only three of the five Tests. "Haven’t decided which two matches Bumrah will play, but he will play a total of three. We need to manage his workload. The scoreline doesn’t change that… he will play three Tests only," Gambhir stated after the match, emphasizing the importance of long-term player management.

This situation presents an opportunity for other bowlers in the squad, including Prasidh Krishna, to step up and make a significant impact.

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

He further emphasized the value of experience, saying, "One thing you cannot get is experience — you have to go through it yourself. And yeah, I think all of us are excited."

Prasidh also addressed the depth in the bowling lineup: "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."

England's victory in the first Test was remarkable, overcoming five individual centuries from the Indian batting lineup to chase down a target of 371. Duckett's 149 and Root's unbeaten 53 played crucial roles in England's 373/5. Despite India posting 835 runs in the match, batting collapses proved detrimental.

Addressing any concerns about the team's morale, Prasidh affirmed, "The dressing room is still positive, happy, and very, very motivated. 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 elaborated on the team's approach during the match: "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. And then, you know, as a bowling unit, when something's happening, we still ended up taking the new ball. They needed about 20 runs, but we held on to the hope that something might happen. So we were still out there believing. We made sure that until the last run was scored, we were still fighting and making them work hard for it."

While Bumrah shone with five wickets in the first innings, the other bowlers faced challenges. Prasidh, in particular, acknowledged the need for improvement in his economy.

"Yeah, definitely (on economy over 6). I had a few conversations with some of the guys about how this game went. I definitely want to bring that number down — to the best I can. And I think I’m learning as well. It’s on me — I can’t say anything else. 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 explained.

He also added: "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. The lengths and lines I bowled weren’t perfect, to be honest, most of the time. And they took me on."

Analyzing his performance, Prasidh noted: "If I look at the first innings, I was a little shorter than where I wanted to be. Ideally, six to eight meters is what I was aiming for — that's what I would say. In the second innings, it got slightly better because the wicket was a bit slower. I had to pitch a few deliveries slightly behind the ideal spot and then go a bit fuller when trying to get a wicket. So yeah, I definitely didn’t bowl the lengths I wanted to."

Prasidh also shared his thoughts on Shubman Gill's captaincy, as this series marks Gill's first stint as India's Test captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement.

"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. He spotted opportunities and used the right bowlers accordingly. All of that was great. And knowing him, he created a very good atmosphere around the team," Prasidh said, having previously played under Gill at Gujarat Titans.

In conclusion, Prasidh stated, "He's been speaking to all of us. We always go in with a plan, and the communication is happening there. As lower-order batsmen, we are definitely working on our game. If you look at our net sessions, we are putting in the work. 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."