Prasidh Krishna made the most of the opportunity that came his way in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, playing a key role in India’s 1-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka. His efforts with the ball were rewarded as he was named the Impact Player of the Series after taking seven wickets across the two Tests.
Krishna finished the series with an average of 24.57 and best figures of 3/52. He provided India with a steady pace option throughout the tour and delivered consistently in conditions that tested the bowlers.
The award was presented to Krishna by India’s performance analyst Hari Prasad Mohan, who praised the fast bowler for his preparation, discipline and ability to keep testing Sri Lanka’s batters.
“So, the Impact Player of the Series goes to someone who had put the hard yards, made the ball talk, kept asking the right question to the batters, even in these adverse conditions. He made an impact with the ball whenever he got the opportunity,” Hari Prasad said in a video posted by the BCCI.
Hari Prasad also revealed that Krishna had taken a keen interest in data throughout the tour, regularly seeking information to help him prepare for the opposition.
“Ever since we landed in Colombo, he had been on my ears asking for a lot of data and honestly in this team, if there is someone who can have a second job as an analyst, that would be him,” he said.
The performance analyst said Krishna’s hunger to keep improving stood out during the series.
“For his relentlessness, wickets, impact and way too many questions for me which I enjoy, it’s Prasidh Krishna,” Hari Prasad added.
Krishna was quick to shift the focus away from himself after receiving the award. He credited the reserves and support staff for the work they put in throughout the tour, even when they did not get an opportunity to play.
“Thank you very much, guys. Nothing would be possible without each one of you. I think everybody, the ones that are playing obviously worth the credit that they put you but everybody around. I think it takes a lot for everybody during the Test match, we were here for a camp,” Krishna said.
The tour also demanded plenty from the squad away from the matches. Long practice sessions and the intense heat in Galle and Colombo made the support of the reserves and staff even more important.
“We did such long practices every session to see all of you lock up. Thank you so much everybody, even during such hot days, everybody was sitting out there, standing out there, helping out with water,” Krishna said.
He also acknowledged the reserves who stepped in during training sessions and helped the playing group prepare.
“All the reserves out there, coming in, running in, helping out all of us. So, this effort is going to take us all a long way. So, this is the way the team has to be run and thank you so much,” he added.
The award capped a valuable series for Krishna, who stepped up in the absence of one of India’s leading fast bowlers. His seven wickets and consistent performances gave India a reliable pace option and helped the visitors complete a series win in Sri Lanka.
– Ends
