India's Krishna Upbeat Despite Bumrah's Absence, First Test Loss to England

Following a setback in the opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at Headingley, Leeds, the Indian team is focused on regrouping. Despite the defeat, which saw England take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, India's management remains committed to their plan for Jasprit Bumrah.

Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah seen discussing strategies during a practice session.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir affirmed that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Tests, a decision finalized before the series commenced. "We need to manage his workload. The scoreline doesn’t change that," Gambhir stated, emphasizing the importance of Bumrah's long-term fitness.

With Bumrah's appearances carefully managed, fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna sees an opportunity to step up and contribute.

"What a culture we guys have created. We are learning from each other, no matter who's there or who's around," Prasidh told reporters in Birmingham. "And with Booms (Bumrah) around, he's been talking to all of us throughout, even before coming here... One thing you cannot get is experience — you have to go through it yourself. And yeah, I think all of us are excited."

Prasidh highlighted the positive atmosphere within the team, emphasizing the collective learning and support system. He acknowledged the irreplaceable value of experience gained through on-field action.

"If you look at the team, everybody is here. Siraj has played a lot of games, he's going to continue playing, and whoever comes in — or whatever happens later — it's a great experience and an opportunity. That’s the way we look at it," he added, underscoring the depth in India's pace bowling attack.

England's victory in the first Test was remarkable, marked by their successful chase of a 300-plus target despite conceding five individual centuries in India's innings. However, Prasidh was quick to dismiss any notion of negativity within the Indian dressing room.

"The dressing room is still positive, happy, and very, very motivated," Prasidh asserted. "Like I said, we came here knowing what this opportunity meant for all of us. And even in the game today, we might have looked quiet at times, but I think we still had a plan."

He further elaborated on the team's fighting spirit, stating, "We made sure that until the last run was scored, we were still fighting and making them work hard for it."

While Bumrah shone with five wickets in the first innings, the other bowlers, including Siraj, Prasidh, and Shardul, faced challenges. Prasidh acknowledged his own performance, admitting the need for improvement.

"I definitely want to bring that number down — to the best I can. And I think I’m learning as well. It’s on me — I can’t say anything else. It’s my responsibility to get better, and that’s what I’m trying. That’s what I’m working on. I just want to make sure I put in the right kind of work and come back here with better numbers," Prasidh said, taking responsibility for his economy rate.

He further added, "Every time I come out to bowl, I’m definitely looking to bowl a maiden. I’m not really trying to give away boundaries or anything... But yes, every time I bowl, I’m looking to keep the economy rate down and build pressure."

Reflecting on his bowling lengths, Prasidh said, "I definitely didn’t bowl the lengths I wanted to."

Prasidh Praises Captain Gill

This series marks Shubman Gill's inaugural stint as India's Test captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement. Prasidh, having played under Gill at Gujarat Titans, shared his observations.

"About Shubman — yeah, I think he did a pretty good job. All of us saw how he rotated the bowlers, made sure everyone got enough breaks, and brought bowlers in at the right times," Prasidh commented. "And knowing him, he created a very good atmosphere around the team."

He concluded, "He's been speaking to all of us. We always go in with a plan, and the communication is happening there... We are definitely working on our game... It’s also about putting your mind into it — making sure you trust yourself, trust the skill you have, and stay at the crease a little longer. The runs and numbers will then follow. And we are working towards that."