India Remains Focused Despite Bumrah's Limited Test Role; Prasidh Krishna Emphasizes Team Depth

India faced a setback in the opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley, Leeds, with England taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. As the series intensifies, the management of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's workload has become a key point of discussion.

Despite the defeat, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Tests, a decision made prior to the series' commencement.

"We haven’t decided which two matches Bumrah will play, but he will play a total of three. We need to manage his workload. The scoreline doesn’t change that… he will play three Tests only," Gambhir stated following the match.

In light of Bumrah's planned absence, fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna sees this as a chance for others to step up.

Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah in conversation.

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

He further emphasized the team's depth and the opportunities it presents: "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."

England's recent victory was a historic one. They became the first team in over 60,000 first-class matches to concede five individual centuries and still chase down a target exceeding 300. Chasing 371, Duckett (149) and Root (53*) propelled England to 373/5. India scored 835 runs in the match with two centuries from Rishabh Pant, but suffered batting collapses.

Prasidh also addressed any concerns about the team's morale.

"The dressing room is still positive, happy, and very, very motivated. 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 explained.

"We wanted to do something, and we went about doing it — we got two wickets in a cluster, twice. So that kept the motivation going... We made sure that until the last run was scored, we were still fighting and making them work hard for it," he added.

Prasidh Krishna Focuses on Improvement

While Jasprit Bumrah shone with five wickets in the first innings, the supporting bowlers – Siraj, Prasidh, and Shardul – faced challenges. Prasidh, in particular, acknowledged his high economy rate and lack of consistency.

He secured three wickets in the first innings, conceding 128 runs in 20 overs (economy 6.40). In the second innings, he took two more wickets but gave away 92 runs in 15 overs (economy 6.10).

"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," Prasidh stated.

He 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... The lengths and lines I bowled weren’t perfect, to be honest, most of the time... But I think someone in the team had to do it. And if I sit back and only look at my numbers or economy rate and not the wickets... So if that’s what it takes to get a wicket, I’m happy to do it."

Prasidh Praises Captain Gill

This England series marks Shubman Gill's debut as India's Test captain. Prasidh has previously played under Gill for Gujarat Titans.

"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. He spotted opportunities and used the right bowlers accordingly... And knowing him, he created a very good atmosphere around the team," Prasidh observed.

"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," Prasidh concluded.