Former India 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 backing Prasidh despite being expensive in most matches, while keeping Arshdeep Singh on the bench.
India’s selection 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 proved himself in T20Is but has had limited chances in the 50-over format, even though he has been part of the ODI setup for more than 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 Runs – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif said that Prasidh Krishna concedes too many runs in most matches. Kaif questioned why Arshdeep Singh has been left out while Prasidh continues to get chances. He added that India must learn to defend scores like 270 or 280 if they want to succeed at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“You are leaving out Arshdeep, who is a wicket-taker and looking to groom Prasidh Krishna. He always goes for runs except in a game or two. If someone says 280 runs were less and that’s why India could not win, then I do not see this team winning the World Cup,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
“Sometimes they will be 15-20 runs under par. If you want to win the World Cup, you will have to learn to win games with 270-280 runs as well. You have to learn to win games with the ball when the score is under par,” he added.
Spotlight on Prasidh Krishna Ahead of Series-Deciding ODI
With the ODI series level at 1-1, attention is on the selection for the decider on Sunday. The spotlight is on Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to decide whether a change is needed to bring more balance and variation to India’s bowling attack.
India scored 284/7 in the second ODI but could not defend the total. The bowlers will be under pressure to respond in the final game, 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 concedes runs at an overall economy of 6.02. The pacer recorded figures of 1/48, 2/85, 4/66, 2/60, and 1/49 in his last five outings.
In comparison, Arshdeep Singh has picked up 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 Will Have To Learn To Do This – Mohammad Kaif on Dew Factor
Mohammad Kaif said that 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 India team must find ways to bowl even a wet ball.
“There will always be dew. I feel there should be less focus on these things and more focus on the method to win. Look at how you can bowl even in the dew. You will have to learn to do this,” Kaif said.
India have a good record at the Holkar Stadium, having won all five international matches played there. They recorded victories at the venue against England in 2006 and 2008, the West Indies in 2011, South Africa in 2015, and Australia in 2017.
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