India Remains Positive Despite England Loss, Bumrah's Limited Role: Krishna Emphasizes Team's Adaptability

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

"Haven’t decided which two matches Bumrah will play, but he will play a total of three. We need to manage his workload. The scoreline doesn’t change that… he will play three Tests only," Gambhir stated.

Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah strategizing during a match.

In Bumrah's absence, fellow pace bowler Prasidh Krishna sees an opportunity to step up. He emphasized the positive team culture that allows players to learn from each other, regardless of who is on the field.

"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... One thing you cannot get is experience — you have to go through it yourself. And yeah, I think all of us are excited," Prasidh told reporters in Birmingham.

He further elaborated on the team's approach: "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."

Despite England's historic win, where they successfully chased down a 300-plus target after conceding five individual centuries, Prasidh dismissed any negativity within the Indian dressing room.

"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 explained.

He added, "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... we held on to the hope that something might happen. So we were still out there believing. We made sure that until the last run was scored, we were still fighting and making them work hard for it."

Krishna Acknowledges Areas for Improvement

While Bumrah shone with five wickets in the first innings, the other bowlers, including Siraj, Prasidh, and Shardul, faced challenges. Prasidh, in particular, admitted his economy rate was a concern.

"Yeah, definitely (on economy over 6). I had a few conversations with some of the guys about how this game went... 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. I just want to make sure I put in the right kind of work and come back here with better numbers," Prasidh stated.

He further elaborated on his strategy: "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... I definitely didn’t bowl the lengths I wanted to."

Prasidh Praises Captain Gill

This series marks Shubman Gill's debut as India's Test captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement. Prasidh, who has played under Gill at Gujarat Titans, commended his leadership.

"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," Prasidh said.

He concluded, "He's been speaking to all of us. We always go in with a plan, and the communication is happening there... The runs and numbers will then follow. And we are working towards that."