Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar believes fast bowler Prasidh Krishna might be at a career crossroads following a match-winning performance that secured India’s series sweep against Afghanistan. In the third ODI, Krishna achieved his first ODI five-wicket haul, claiming 5-23 and dismantling Afghanistan’s top order to leave them at 36/4. This crucial spell set the stage for India’s comfortable nine-wicket victory, with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 110 and Rohit Sharma’s 79 guiding the chase.
Gavaskar commented on Jio Hotstar, “That is the beauty of Indian cricket, there are always replacements ready, and I think Prasidh Krishna could be at a turning point in his career. He has been in and out of the side, and he went wicketless in the first ODI and didn’t play the second game either.”
He further elaborated on Krishna’s performance, stating, “In the third ODI, he bowled fuller lengths and made the ball work. He got the new ball, which is rare for him. In this game, with the new ball in hand, he used it well. He read the pitch well; there was carry and a bit of zip. That is what you need to do as a fast bowler.”
The former India captain highlighted Krishna’s aggressive approach, which was key to shattering Afghanistan’s top order. “In his heart, he is an attacking bowler. Fast bowlers love to make batters uncomfortable, make them hop and weave. That is where they get their joy. Earlier, he was bowling too short and getting punished. But now he is pitching it up, getting movement, and taking wickets. That is the change that has made the difference,” Gavaskar added.
Despite an early collapse, Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (102) and Azmatullah Omarzai (50) staged a recovery. However, Krishna returned to dismiss Shahidi, completing his five-wicket haul as Afghanistan was bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs.
India’s chase was straightforward, with Jaiswal scoring his second ODI century in just three innings. He partnered with Rohit Sharma for a 170-run opening stand, sealing a dominant victory and India’s first ODI series win under captain Shubman Gill.
