THE OVAL — India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has revealed that his heated exchange with England’s Joe Root on day two of the fifth Test was a deliberate tactic to unsettle the veteran batsman, calling it "part of the plan" to disrupt his rhythm during a crucial phase of the match.
The incident occurred during the 40th over of England’s first innings, with Root well-set on 61. Krishna, who had just been brought back into the attack, engaged in a verbal duel with the former England captain after a series of short-pitched deliveries. Umpires intervened briefly, but the tension lingered as Root responded with a defiant boundary off the next ball.
Krishna’s Tactical Admission
Speaking after the day’s play, Krishna admitted the confrontation was calculated. "We knew Root was key to their innings. He’s someone who can bat long and tire the bowlers out. Sometimes, a little aggression can make a batter rethink his approach," he said. The strategy appeared to pay dividends when Root, attempting an uncharacteristically aggressive shot, was caught at mid-wicket off Ravindra Jadeja shortly after.
Krishna’s revelation aligns with India’s recent approach of using controlled aggression to unsettle opposition batters. Under coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, the team has emphasized psychological pressure alongside disciplined bowling. Root, known for his composure, has been a frequent target:
- In the 2021 series, Jasprit Bumrah’s bouncer barrage led to Root’s dismissal at Trent Bridge.
- During the 2022 Edgbaston Test, Mohammed Shami’s persistent line outside off stump frustrated Root into a loose drive.
Root’s Response
Root, who finished with 84 runs, played down the incident in his post-match press conference. "It’s part of the game. Prasidh is a competitive bloke, and I respect that. I’ve faced worse over the years—it’s about not letting it affect your focus," he said. However, analysts noted Root’s strike rate dipped noticeably after the exchange, from 68 to 52, before his dismissal.
The Broader Context
The match, part of India’s bid to secure a historic series win in England, has seen multiple flashpoints. Earlier, Shubman Gill and Jonny Bairstow exchanged words after Gill’s dismissal, while Virat Kohli’s animated send-off of Zak Crawley drew scrutiny. Former England captain Nasser Hussain commented on Sky Sports: "India have clearly decided that being in England’s faces is the way to go. It’s Test cricket—you expect these battles, but it’s about walking the line."
Expert Reactions
Cricket pundits were divided on the tactic. While some praised Krishna’s assertiveness, others questioned its necessity. Former India bowler Ashish Nehra said, "Prasidh’s job is to take wickets, not make friends. If a few words help, why not?" In contrast, ex-England spinner Graeme Swann argued, "Root thrives on challenges. Provoking him can backfire spectacularly."
Statistically, Root averages 52.3 against India in Tests but drops to 41.7 in matches where verbal exchanges have been documented. Krishna, playing just his fourth Test, acknowledged the fine balance: "You can’t overdo it. The line between aggression and distraction is thin."
What’s Next?
With England trailing by 155 runs at stumps on day two, the psychological warfare is set to intensify. Krishna hinted at more short-pitched bowling: "Their middle order doesn’t like the bounce. We’ll keep testing them." Meanwhile, Root’s ability to counter India’s plans could define the match’s outcome.
As the series reaches its climax, the duel between Krishna and Root exemplifies modern Test cricket’s mental battles. For India, the gamble paid off this time—but with two days remaining, England’s resolve remains unbroken. As Krishna put it: "This is why we play the game. Every ball, every word matters."