'Anything that he pitches up is a bit floaty' - Sanjay Manjrekar backs Prasidh Krishna's inclusion in 2nd Test

Prasidh Krishna had an unfavourable outing in the Boxing Day Test at the Centurion, as India succumbed to an innings defeat against South Africa. The debutant saw heavy criticism for leaking away runs and not bowling tight lengths, which eventually caused the opponent to take a first innings' lead. Krishna conceded runs at an economy of 4.65 in the 20 overs he bowled in the match, while picking up only one wicket.

Many were of the opinion that the second change pacers didn't provide any assistance to lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah, which caused the game to slip away from India's hands. Former India cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar, however, believes that judging the ace pacer on the basis of one single performance. Manjrekar has reaped faith in the Karnataka pacer and also believes that Krishna can still make it to the playing XI for the second Test.

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, the cricketer-turned-commentator said, “It will be a little harsh to drop Prasidh Krishna after one because, if you look at him, he is not somebody who hits the deck hard. He sort of uses his height. Anything that he pitches up is a bit floaty. The only ball that has a bit of pace and strength are short balls.”

Now with the pacer's dismal performance, it is expected that the likes of Mukesh Kumar or Avesh Khan may be chosen over him, although Manjrekar believes that the management should give him one more chance to prove his mettle. The ex-Mumbai batter also said that the former core of the Indian team where Virat Kohli was leader of the pack under the coaching of Ravi Shastri, Krishna might have played the second game.

“If Mukesh Kumar plays, I don't think too many people will be unhappy. They will be looking at how he is bowling in the nets and think if it is fair on Prasidh Krishna because that is something the new management cares about, giving a fair run. The earlier team management would have been ruthless. Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri were trigger-happy with such things. These guys might give one more go. But it is a two-match series, they might be keen to make changes,” Manjrekar added.

India look to draw series

With a rather disappointing loss in the first Test, the next game is scheduled for January 03-07 in Cape Town. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be keen on putting their best foot forward, and win the game to better their position in the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. A win in Cape Town would mean that they make the matter even-stevens with the Proteas, while sharing the series 1-1.