IND vs SA 2025: 'Given a good run, quality will always shine through' - R Ashwin delivers stern message to Prasidh Krishna's critics

Former Indian cricketer R Ashwin has sent out a strong message to Prasidh Krishna's skeptics following the pacer's stellar bowling performance in the third ODI against South Africa. Prasidh secured a four-wicket haul (4/66 in 9.5 overs) as India clinched the three-match series 2-1.

Ashwin believed the critics of the lanky pacer were wrong in dismissing him after his performances in the first two ODIs. The erstwhile all-rounder also mentioned that Prasidh will only get better with time.  

“Prasidh is showing the quality he possesses. It’s always easy to write people off when they have bad days, but given a good run, quality will always shine through. Once he gains a better understanding of his awareness, run-up tempo and triggers, he will start delivering more consistently at this level,” read the post Ashwin put out on X.

Many wanted Prasidh to be left out for the series-deciding clash in Visakhapatnam after his outings in the first (1/48 in 7.2 overs) and second (2/85 in 8.2 overs) matches. However, Prasidh delivered a four-wicket performance to redeem himself.

Prasidh's wickets included Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram and Ottneil Baartman. Meanwhile, Kuldeep ended up with a four-wicket haul of his own. The left-arm wrist-spinner conceded 41 runs in his 10-over quota as South Africa were bowled out for 270 in 47.5 overs.

Speaking of the match, India got past the target with nine wickets and 61 deliveries to spare. After two underwhelming outings, Yashasvi Jaiswal finally came good and secured the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten 121-ball 116-run knock. Virat Kohli, who was adjudged the Player of the Series, ended up unbeaten with 65 off just 45 to his name.

The Men in Blue will now face South Africa in five T20Is. The first T20I of the series is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9.