India’s commanding victory over West Indies in the second ODI has come with a potential injury setback, with Prasidh Krishna facing a race against time to be fit for the series finale in New Chandigarh on October 3.
Prasidh, who has emerged as an important part of India’s pace attack during the three-match series, was unable to complete his quota of overs in Guwahati on Wednesday after walking off the field with a hamstring concern. He bowled only five overs and was subsequently diagnosed with a hamstring injury.
The extent of the injury is yet to be established. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said after the match that Prasidh was being monitored and was expected to undergo a scan. The initial indications, however, have raised concerns about whether the fast bowler will be available for the third ODI.
Prasidh’s curtailed spell in Guwahati
Prasidh opened the bowling for India and initially completed four overs. He returned for a second spell in the 31st over but bowled only one over before leaving the field.
He eventually finished with 1/45 from five overs, with Naman Dhir taking on additional bowling responsibilities after Prasidh’s departure. Dhir ultimately bowled 6.1 overs in the innings, although he too had briefly left the field earlier after experiencing what Kotak described as a cramp.
The injury came during an extraordinary run-fest in Guwahati. West Indies posted 405/7, their first 400-plus ODI total, before India chased down the target in 43.3 overs to win by eight wickets and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 223 and Rohit Sharma’s 101 powered the chase.
As Prasidh is likely to miss out, Mohammed Siraj may make a return to the ODI side for the 3rd match against the Windies.
New Zealand series could also come into focus
Prasidh’s recovery timeline could become more important if the injury keeps him out beyond the West Indies series. He is not part of India’s five-match T20I series against West Indies, which gives him some additional recovery time. However, India are scheduled to begin their away series against New Zealand with T20Is from October 22. As per reports from Cricbuzz, Depending on the severity of the hamstring problem, Prasidh’s availability for at least part of that tour could also come under scrutiny.