3 reasons why India must play Prasidh Krishna in BGT 2024-25 4th Test at the MCG

Prasidh Krishna is among those waiting for an opportunity to play in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. The tall right-arm pacer is a part of the Indian squad but has yet to play a match in the series.

India's bowling has appeared slightly weak so far in the series, with Jasprit Bumrah being the lone pacer who has fired consistently. The likes of Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have been tried and tested alongside Bumrah.

While Nitish Kumar Reddy has been the fourth pacer option, the all-rounder has not contributed much with the ball. Prasidh Krishna will be eager to get an opportunity in the Melbourne Test.

The 28-year-old pacer has played only two Tests for India so far and has picked up a couple of wickets. However, he has played 21 first-class matches and has grabbed 75 wickets at an average of 21.58 and an economy rate of 3.04.

Ahead of the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test, here are three reasons why India must draft Prasidh Krishna in the playing XI in Melbourne.

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#3 Prasidh Krishna adds a point of difference to the attack

As mentioned above, Jasprit Bumrah has been India's lone warrior with the ball this series, picking up wickets consistently. Looking at Prasidh Krishna's first-class record, it can be said that he has a knack for picking up wickets.

The tall pacer has 4 four-wicket and 3 five-wicket hauls in first-class cricket. While Bumrah has been picking up wickets from one end, India need a bowler who can chip in with wickets from the other end as well.

Prasidh being a 'hit-the-deck' sort of a bowler can scalp wickets at the non-Bumrah end while Akash Deep could take the new ball, adding a point of difference to the pace attack.

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#2 Adds fresh legs to the attack

India have tried the likes of Siraj, Rana, and Deep alongside Bumrah. Bumrah is the only pacer who has troubled the Australians consistently so far. As the fourth bowling option, Nitish Kumar Reddy has also not bowled a lot and the team has not given him a lot of overs either.

Meanwhile, Siraj sustained a niggle during the Brisbane Test and the visitors might opt to give him some rest. In such a scenario, bringing in someone like Prasidh Krishna, who is fresh and has not played yet, could be a viable option.

Adding fresh legs to the attack could work in favor of the Indians and also offer more support to Jasprit Bumrah from the other end.

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#1 Prasidh looked sharp in the nets in Melbourne

The 28-year-old pacer looked sharp in the nets while bowling to some of the Indian batters ahead of the MCG Test. For instance, he cut KL Rahul in half, making him uncomfortable by bowling at a good pace and generating inward movement.

Prasidh Krishna has appeared in good rhythm bowling in the nets and India should look to leverage the same going into the Melbourne Test. The tall pacer has been successful at the venue recently as well.

He played for India A against Australia A earlier in Melbourne in November this year. The tall fast-bowler had a successful outing as he picked up 4/50 in the first innings and 2/37 in the second, ending with a total of six wickets in the match.