Prasidh Krishna’s Expensive Spell Draws ‘Haris Rauf’ Trolls

Prasidh Krishna Under Fire After Costly 2nd ODI Performance

In a match where Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad lit up the scoreboard with brilliant centuries, it was a bowling performance that has become the center of a fiery online debate. Prasidh Krishna, the Indian pacer, faced a barrage of social media criticism—and some rather harsh trolling—after a forgettable outing in the second ODI against South Africa.

Despite India posting a mammoth 358/5 in their 50 overs, South Africa chased it down with 4 wickets and 4 balls to spare, thanks to a masterful 110 from Aiden Markram . However, the conversation online quickly shifted away from the thrilling chase to a single player: Prasidh Krishna.

Table of Contents

• Prasidh Krishna Bowling Figures Explained
• The Haris Rauf Comparison: Is it Fair?
• Context Behind Prasidh Krishna’s Performance
• How Does He Fit into India’s Bowling Plans?
• Conclusion
• Sources

Prasidh Krishna Bowling Figures Explained

The raw numbers from the match are stark. Prasidh Krishna bowled 8.2 overs, conceding a staggering 85 runs while picking up two wickets. This translates to an economy rate of 10.20 runs per over .

To put this into perspective, in the final 30 balls of his spell, he was hit for 39 runs without taking a wicket . One particular over, his sixth, went for a whopping 16 runs, a critical juncture that swung immense momentum in South Africa’s favor .

In a game where the required run rate for South Africa was already high, a bowler’s inability to contain runs can be just as damaging as not taking wickets. Krishna’s figures stood in sharp contrast to his fellow bowlers; Arshdeep Singh, for instance, returned with tidy figures of 2/54 in his 10 overs .

The Haris Rauf Comparison: Is it Fair?

On social media, a now-viral tweet read, “If Pakistan has Haris Rauf, India has Prasidh Krishna.” The jab, of course, was at the perceived lack of discipline in India’s pace attack compared to their Pakistani counterparts.

But is this a fair comparison? Looking at recent performances, Haris Rauf has shown his ability to be both potent and economical. In his last ODI outing against a strong opponent, he delivered a disciplined spell of 9-1-38-2, showcasing control alongside pace . Rauf’s ODI career has been built on being a reliable wicket-taker, with 133 international wickets across formats at a bowling average of 21.11 .

The comparison, while catchy for a meme, is fundamentally flawed. It pits two bowlers at different stages of their international careers and with distinct roles in their respective teams against each other based on a single, poor performance.

Context Behind Prasidh Krishna’s Performance

Before we crucify Prasidh Krishna, it’s crucial to understand the context of his role. He was brought into the attack during a phase of the game when South Africa’s batters, particularly the set Aiden Markram, were looking to accelerate. The pressure was immense, and the pitch in Raipur offered little assistance to the bowlers on a flat deck.

Krishna has a proven track record in domestic cricket and the IPL, where he is known for his raw pace and has taken 74 wickets in 66 matches . His career, however, has been hampered by recurring injuries, which have often interrupted his momentum and rhythm at the international level .

A single expensive spell, while disappointing, doesn’t erase his past contributions or his potential. Even the best bowlers in the world have off days, and in the high-pressure environment of a 360-run chase, the margin for error is razor-thin.

How Does He Fit into India’s Bowling Plans?

This performance raises important questions for the Indian team management as they look ahead to future tournaments, including the upcoming [INTERNAL_LINK:icc-odi-world-cup].

India’s pace attack for white-ball cricket currently has a clear pecking order, with established leaders at the top. Krishna’s role has often been that of a supporting act—someone who can provide breakthroughs with his pace but has sometimes struggled with consistency.

The management now faces a strategic decision: do they persist with Krishna, hoping his pace will be a match-winner on more bowler-friendly surfaces, or do they look to other options who might offer more control in the middle overs? The emergence of bowlers like Harshit Rana, who went for 70 in his 10 overs in the same match , only adds to the competition for places.

Conclusion

The trolling of Prasidh Krishna after the 2nd ODI is a classic case of social media outrage amplifying a single lapse into a narrative of failure. While his economy rate was undeniably poor and a key factor in South Africa’s victory, it’s an oversimplification to compare him directly to Haris Rauf or to write off his entire career based on one match.

Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, and for every expensive over, there’s a chance for redemption in the next game. The real test for Krishna will be how he bounces back from this setback, and for the team, how they manage his talents moving forward.

Sources

• ESPNcricinfo – India vs South Africa, 2nd ODI Match Scorecard
• ESPNcricinfo – Prasidh Krishna Profile
• ESPNcricinfo – Haris Rauf Profile
• The Times of India – Original Article