India’s emphatic defeat in the Centurion Test against South Africa cast a long shadow, with debutant pacer Prasidh Krishna finding himself at the center of the storm. Critics lambasted his lackluster performance, pointing to his leaky economy and inability to contain the Proteas batsmen. Krishna’s solitary wicket in 20 overs offered little solace, leaving many to question his place in the playing XI for the upcoming Cape Town Test.

However, amidst the chorus of disapproval, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar emerged as a lone voice of reason, urging caution against writing off the young pacer based on a single outing.

Sanjay Manjrekar, in an interview with ESPNCricinfo, emphasized the need for perspective, highlighting Krishna’s unique bowling style that relies on height and deception rather than raw pace. “He doesn’t hit the deck hard,” Manjrekar explained, “Anything that he pitches up is a bit floaty. The only ball that has a bit of pace and strength are short balls.”

ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir Blazes Back: #AskGG Heats Up with KKR Reunion, IPL Hopes, And Truth Bombs

Despite Krishna’s disappointing debut, Manjrekar believes he deserves another opportunity to prove his mettle. He acknowledges the potential alternatives like Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan, but argues that dropping Krishna after just one Test would be harsh, especially considering the management’s newfound focus on providing fair chances. “These guys might give one more go,” Sanjay Manjrekar asserted, contrasting the current cautious approach with the “trigger-happy” ways of the Kohli-Shastri era.

The pressure on the Indian team is undeniable. A resounding loss in Centurion has put them on the back foot in the two-match series, with the fate of the World Test Championship partially hanging in the balance. A Cape Town victory is crucial not only to salvage the series but also to maintain their position in the championship cycle.

Manjrekar’s call for patience with Krishna resonates in this context. While recognizing the immediate need for results, he advocates for investing in the youngster’s potential. Krishna’s unique skillset, if nurtured and honed, could prove invaluable in the long run. The Cape Town Test presents a crucial opportunity not just for India to level the series but also to assess whether Prasidh Krishna can blossom into a genuine Test match bowler.

ALSO READ: KL Rahul’s Inspirational Journey: Overcoming Surgery And Believing In The Impossible

In conclusion, Prasidh Krishna’s Centurion performance may have been underwhelming, but it would be unwise to write him off just yet. Manjrekar’s measured perspective serves as a timely reminder that talent deserves a chance to blossom, even in the face of adversity. The Cape Town Test offers a platform for Krishna to redeem himself and potentially write his name into the annals of Indian cricket. Whether he seizes the opportunity or succumbs to the pressure remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his journey is far from over.