Australia pace legend Glenn McGrath believes India’s white-ball pace attack is entering a natural period of transition and has identified Prasidh Krishna as one of the bowlers capable of taking on a leading role in the years ahead.
Speaking at the MRF Pace Foundation on Monday, McGrath acknowledged the challenge facing India’s emerging fast bowlers as the team manages Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, while experienced pacers Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are currently absent.
“It’s always going to be tough to just pick up where you left off. You’ve got Bumrah, who’s a class bowler. Shami is world class as well. Siraj has been around for a long time and is very experienced. They bowl incredibly well, so you can’t just expect to pick up straight where you left off,” McGrath said.
Despite the transition, the former Australian quick believes the next generation of Indian pacers is making steady progress.
“I think they’ve been doing okay. I’m a big fan of Prasidh as well. It’s always a big ask to fill the shoes of Shami and Bumrah, so it’s always going to be a transitional period,” he said.
McGrath reserved particular praise for Prasidh Krishna, highlighting the significant improvement he has witnessed since first seeing the tall fast bowler at the MRF Pace Foundation.
“From seeing him when he was here (MRF Pace Foundation) to then watching him play IPL cricket, he just seemed to mature – his pace and just the way he was bowling, the way he held himself,” McGrath said.
The Australian great believes Prasidh possesses the qualities required to trouble top-order batters consistently.
“He’s tall, bowls good areas, gets that bounce and that pace. It’s the whole package, really. He’s very much an enforcer when he bowls – just the way he went through the crease, the pace he was bowling at, the bounce, and the areas. Occasionally, he was a little bit short, but apart from that, he impressed me. He’s really developed and put his potential into action,” he added.
When asked about Prasidh’s tendency to bowl short on occasions, McGrath suggested it could be linked to the role he has been assigned within the bowling attack.
“I think his job is to be the enforcer and really unsettle batters. It worked for him a bit in the IPL. Maybe, he just went with it,” McGrath said.
With India’s pace attack undergoing a gradual change, McGrath’s endorsement of Prasidh Krishna reflects confidence that the fast bowler has the attributes and temperament to become an important figure as the next generation takes on greater responsibility.
