'Prasidh Krishna has performed better than Mohammed Siraj in all aspects in Sri Lanka' - Mohammad Kaif lauds Karnataka seamer

India's second Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo began on Sunday, August 23, with the visitors seeking to win the series after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle. India had posted 503 for 9 in their first innings in Colombo. On Day 3, Prasidh Krishna delivered a standout bowling performance that caught the attention of former India batter Mohammad Kaif.

Krishna returned figures of 3 for 47 in 14 overs, dismissing Lahiru Udara for 1, Kamil Mishara for 19, and Kamindu Mendis for 32. His ability to generate pace and extra bounce helped India reduce Sri Lanka to 122 for four in 30 overs. Kaif analysed Krishna's display and compared it directly with the performance of senior seam bowler Mohammed Siraj during the tour.

"I believe the fast bowlers have bowled well on this pitch, even the Sri Lankan fast bowlers, who took five wickets. Prasidh Krishna stuck to his natural length. He bowled fast, and you rarely see someone leave Siraj behind," Kaif said during a discussion on Sony Sports.

Mohammad Kaif's assessment of Krishna versus Siraj

Kaif further elaborated on Krishna's performance relative to Siraj's experience and standing in the Indian team. Siraj is a senior bowler, who is playing his 48th Test match, while Krishna is making only his ninth appearance in the format. Despite the experience gap, Kaif felt Krishna had demonstrated superior form across multiple dimensions during the series.

"Siraj is a senior bowler. He has played close to 45 Test matches, and this is Krishna's ninth Test. However, on this tour, whether it's pace or effort, I feel Krishna has looked ahead in all aspects in this series. The three wickets he picked up was special bowling, if we talk about this match," Kaif said.

Krishna had already made an impact in the first Test, finishing with three wickets across both innings. His continued success in the second Test underlined his contribution to India's bowling effort in the series.

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India are in a comfortable position at the end of Day 3, with Sri Lanka struggling at 265/8 in their first innings. The hosts are still trailing India's first innings score by 238 runs and their primary target will be to avoid the follow-on.