In the ongoing first Test between India and England, Jasprit Bumrah showcased his exceptional talent by taking a remarkable 5-wicket haul. However, amidst Bumrah's brilliant performance, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar singled out another Indian pacer for special praise: Prasidh Krishna.
Speaking on 'Match Centre Live', Manjrekar lauded Krishna's performance, stating that he looked the "best" among the Indian pacers in this Test match, especially when compared to his previous outing in South Africa. He noted that even though Krishna didn't take many wickets on the second day, he was still India's second-best seamer, outperforming Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. Manjrekar believes that India made the right choice by including Krishna in the team. He expressed confidence that with more experience and wickets, Krishna would only improve.
Krishna did strike early on Day 3, dismissing centurion Ollie Pope. While he ended with figures of 1/29 in his first five overs of the day, England managed to surpass the 300-run mark in the first session. Manjrekar pointed out that Krishna tends to leak runs occasionally, resulting in a slightly higher economy rate.
Bumrah's achievements shouldn't be understated. His 5/83 ensured England were bowled out for 465, giving India a narrow six-run lead. This performance marked his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He also equaled R Ashwin's record for the most five-wicket hauls in the World Test Championship, achieving this in fewer innings. Moreover, Bumrah equaled Kapil Dev's record for the most Test five-fors by an Indian bowler in away Tests, a feat that is also the highest by any pacer in the 21st century.
Manjrekar has praised Bumrah in the past, even calling him a "bowler without a weakness" after a brilliant performance against Bangladesh. He highlighted Bumrah's variations, sharp thinking, and ability to perform regardless of the opposition or pitch conditions. He has also compared Bumrah to the legendary New Zealand pacer Sir Richard Hadlee, emphasizing Bumrah's mastery and ability to take wickets at crucial moments.
Despite Krishna's expensive economy in this innings, which is the worst for an Indian pacer conceding at least 100 runs in a Test innings, Manjrekar's compliment highlights the potential he sees in the young bowler.
