Prasidh Krishna, who has been under pressure throughout the IND vs SA ODI series, finally produced the kind of comeback India desperately needed in the series decider at Visakhapatnam. After an expensive outing in Raipur—where he was taken apart for 85 runs in 8.2 overs during South Africa’s record chase—the Karnataka pacer walked into the final ODI with his spot under scrutiny. And initially, it looked like another long, painful day for him.
South Africa’s openers, especially Quinton de Kock, came hard at him early. Prasidh leaked 27 runs in his first two overs, releasing the pressure built by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. KL Rahul, remembering India’s long streak of poor luck with tosses that he finally broke in Vizag thanks to his “left-hand toss trick” and a hilarious celebration, was visibly concerned.
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He even turned to part-timer Tilak Varma, who was already in the spotlight after warning Matthew Breetzke for backing up too far at the non-striker’s end—a moment that went viral across social media. But Prasidh Krishna’s story took a dramatic turn in his second spell.
One brings two for Prasidh Krishna and #TeamIndia! 😎
South Africa lose Matthew Breetzke and Aiden Markram
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/HM6zm9o7bm#INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/ZVyeqzwbVb
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2025
Returning with renewed focus, he bowled a tight over before producing two massive breakthroughs in the space of a few balls. First came Matthew Breetzke, undone by the extra bounce. Then Aiden Markram followed soon after, edging one behind. The double strike instantly shifted momentum India’s way. But Prasidh wasn’t done yet.
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In what was easily the ball of the day, he cleaned up Quinton de Kock with a sensational delivery that swung late and clipped the top of off stump—a perfect redemption moment after being hammered by the left-hander earlier.
From being India’s weakest link early on to becoming the catalyst of South Africa’s collapse, Prasidh Krishna showed tremendous character, reminding everyone why he continues to be backed at the highest level.
