Prasidh Krishna: The 2023 Cricket World Cup has seen its fair share of ups and downs, and one significant twist in the Indian squad was the replacement of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya with the talented pacer, Prasidh Krishna. This move took the cricketing world by surprise, as Axar Patel seemed like the likely choice.
Let’s have a look into more details of India’s decision to opt for Prasidh Krishna and why he was preferred over other candidates
Prasidh Krishna‘s selection was not arbitrary. It was grounded in his exceptional performance in One Day Internationals (ODIs) since his debut in 2021. His ODI stats are nothing short of impressive. With 29 wickets in 17 matches, a best figure of 4/12, an average of 25.58, an economy rate of 5.60, and a striking rate of 27.30, Prasidh Krishna had already established himself as a potent force in the 50-over format.
The right-arm pacer’s stats in India were even more remarkable. In 8 ODIs on home soil, he claimed 18 wickets at an astonishing average of 19.05, with an economy of 5.41 and a striking rate of 21.10. Notably, Prasidh Krishna also bagged two 4-wicket hauls while playing in India, further underscoring his effectiveness in familiar conditions.
Prasidh Krishna’s versatility extends beyond ODIs. In the T20 format, he has played 2 matches for India, securing 4 wickets at an average of 15.25, an economy rate of 7.62, and a striking rate of 12. This highlights his adaptability in various formats of the game.
Axar Patel, who was once in the running for a World Cup spot, faced a setback due to a quadricep tear during the Asia Cup, which kept him out of the team despite his recovery. India, in the absence of Hardik Pandya, needed to fill the void with a player who could contribute as an all-rounder and bolster the pace-bowling department.
With the pitches in the World Cup not offering much turn, the team management decided that an additional pacer was the way to go. Prasidh Krishna, known for his pace and ability to provide a breakthrough, was the perfect fit. His inclusion added an extra dimension to the Indian bowling attack and the potential to be an X-factor in critical knockout games.
The decision to opt for Prasidh Krishna was also influenced by the impressive performance of India’s fast bowlers in the World Cup. With bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami leading the charge and consistently taking wickets, the team management felt that an additional pacer could provide a crucial edge.
The Indian management was keen on playing with five bowlers, ensuring a strong bowling attack while maintaining flexibility in the batting order. Prasidh Krishna’s inclusion allowed them to stick to this strategy.
In the high-stakes world of international cricket, every selection is made with careful consideration. Prasidh Krishna’s inclusion in the 2023 World Cup squad as a replacement for Hardik Pandya was driven by his exceptional ODI and T20 stats, the need for an extra pacer, and the team’s focus on maintaining a balanced squad. As India continues to impress in the World Cup, Prasidh Krishna’s performance will be closely watched by cricket fans around the world.
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