Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh has openly criticized the team management’s decision to sideline Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna for much of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in favor of Harshit Rana. Krishna only entered the playing XI during the final Test in Sydney after an injury to Akash Deep.
India’s bowling department for the BGT revolved around Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with the third seamer spot up for grabs due to Mohammed Shami’s incomplete recovery. Harshit Rana got the nod in the first two Tests, followed by Akash Deep in the next two matches.
Meanwhile, Krishna had impressed in the India ‘A’ set-up, picking up 10 wickets in two unofficial Tests against Australia ‘A’, including a remarkable four-wicket haul at the MCG. Despite his form and pace, he was ignored until the end of the series.
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Dodda Ganesh expressed his frustration on social media and posted on cricket. Prasidh had great pace; and India missed a trick by not picking him from the beginning.”
Having seen what he had done in the India-A games before the Test series, picking Harshit Rana ahead of Prasidh didn’t make any cricketing sense. Prasidh had great pace; and India missed a trick by not choosing him from the beginning #BGT2024 #AUSvIND
—Dodda Ganesh Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) January 4, 2025
The initial inclusion of Harshit Rana was promising, particularly in the lively Perth field. However, he failed to make an impact and finished the second Test wicketless with the pink ball, leading to his exclusion.
Krishna finally got her chance at the Sydney test in a green top that offered plenty of bounce. Although he initially went astray and was smashed for a six by Steve Smith, he gradually settled into a lethal rhythm.
Prasidh Krishna shines in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence
With Bumrah sidelined due to an injury during the match, Krishna took on additional responsibility and made crucial strides. Their first innings figures of 3-42 included the dismissals of key Australian players Steve Smith, Beau Webster and Alex Carey, ensuring that India did not concede an advantage.
While Krishna’s performance reaffirmed his potential, Ganesh’s criticism highlights what could have been a missed opportunity for the team. The debate raises questions about India’s selection strategy, particularly given Krishna’s initial success in the World Test Championship cycle and his strong performance in the previous games.
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India’s decision-making for the BGT will no doubt be scrutinized, especially in light of Krishna’s eventual impact. Whether this late inclusion was a fluke or a delayed fix, management leaves much to ponder ahead of future challenges.
Our verdict on the debate between Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana
In retrospect, it is easy to say that Krishna should have been preferred over Harshit; It should also be noted that the bowling-friendly conditions at SCG have helped Krishna. Also, the Indian team management was quite proactive in replacing Harshit after his poor performance in the second Test.
They brought in Akash Deep and he bowled quite well, without much luck in his favour. Krishna played well in the India A matches, but so did Harshit Rana. It is therefore a little unfair to blame the management, as Rana offered some skills that are preferable in Australian conditions, although he was not very experienced. His performance in the first test was also quite impressive.
But yes, the Indian management should have assessed that Prasidh or Akash Deep were better options for the pink ball Test in Adelaide than Rana. They missed a trick there and that’s the only thing they should be criticized for.
