India Eyes Series Turnaround After Test Loss; Krishna Backs Team to Step Up Amid Bumrah Workload Management

Following a disappointing defeat in the opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley, Leeds, the Indian team is focused on regrouping and strategizing for the remainder of the five-match series against England. The loss has intensified discussions around workload management for key players, particularly pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

Despite the setback, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has affirmed the pre-series decision to limit Bumrah's participation to 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.

Prasidh Krishna emphasizes the team's learning environment, even with Jasprit Bumrah's limited availability.

In Bumrah's expected absences, fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna sees this as an opportunity for others 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. 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. He acknowledged the irreplaceable value of experience, stating, "One thing you cannot get is experience — you have to go through it yourself. And yeah, I think all of us are excited."

Krishna further emphasized the team's depth and the positive attitude within 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.

Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Positivity

England's recent victory was a historic one, marking the first instance in over 60,000 first-class matches where a team conceded five individual centuries and successfully chased down a target exceeding 300 runs. Despite India posting a formidable 835 runs, powered by two centuries from Rishabh Pant, batting collapses proved detrimental.

Addressing 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."

Prasidh Krishna Focuses on Improvement

While Jasprit Bumrah shone with five wickets in the first innings, the supporting bowlers faced challenges. Prasidh, in particular, acknowledged the need to improve his consistency and 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 stated.

He further explained his mindset while bowling, "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 outfield was fast. The lengths and lines I bowled weren’t perfect, to be honest, most of the time. And they took me on — some were edges, and some were bouncers I tried that ended up going for runs."

Acknowledging areas for improvement, Prasidh said, "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 Praises Captain Gill's Leadership

Prasidh also commented on Shubman Gill's captaincy, this series being his first as India's Test captain after Rohit Sharma's retirement. Prasidh has prior experience playing under Gill at Gujarat Titans.

"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.

He concluded by highlighting the team's preparation and mindset, "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."