India to Manage Bumrah's Workload; Krishna Confident in Bowling Attack Despite Test Loss to England

Following India's defeat in the opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at Headingley, Leeds, the focus has shifted to managing Jasprit Bumrah's workload. Despite the loss, head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that Bumrah will participate in only three of the five Tests, a pre-determined decision.

"We need to manage his workload. The scoreline doesn’t change that… he will play three Tests only," Gambhir stated.

Prasidh Krishna emphasizes the team's positive mindset and learning environment, even with Bumrah's limited availability.

In Bumrah's absence, fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna sees an opportunity for the other bowlers to step up. He highlighted the team's strong culture and continuous learning environment.

"What a culture we guys have created. 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.

He emphasized the importance of experience, stating, "One thing you cannot get is experience — you have to go through it yourself. And yeah, I think all of us are excited."

Krishna also addressed the composition of the team, acknowledging the experience of Mohammed Siraj and the opportunities available to other players.

"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," he added.

England's victory was noteworthy as they successfully chased down a target of 371 after conceding five individual centuries in India's innings. Despite India posting 835 runs in the match, batting collapses proved costly.

Positive Dressing Room Atmosphere

Prasidh dismissed any concerns about the team's morale following the defeat.

"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 said.

He further elaborated on the team's mindset during the match, highlighting their persistent efforts to take wickets and maintain pressure on the opposition.

"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. And then, you know, as a bowling unit, when something's happening, we still ended up taking the new ball... We made sure that until the last run was scored, we were still fighting and making them work hard for it," he added.

Areas for Improvement

While Bumrah excelled in the first innings, the other bowlers, including Siraj, Prasidh, and Shardul, faced challenges. Prasidh acknowledged the need to improve his consistency and economy.

"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 said.

He also explained his approach to bowling, emphasizing the importance of building pressure and taking wickets, even if it means conceding runs occasionally.

"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... 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 — well, it got me a four and a six, and then Jamie Smith got out. So if that’s what it takes to get a wicket, I’m happy to do it."

Prasidh admitted to not bowling the desired lengths consistently, especially in the first innings. He aimed to improve his accuracy and adapt to the conditions better.

Prasidh's Take on Captain Gill

With Rohit Sharma's retirement, the England series marks Shubman Gill's first as India's Test captain. Prasidh, who has previously played under Gill at Gujarat Titans, praised his leadership qualities.

"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."

He further added that Gill has fostered open communication within the team and that the lower-order batsmen are working diligently on their game.

"He's been speaking to all of us. We always go in with a plan, and the communication is happening there... I think 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.