Prasidh Krishna left and Virat Kohli right (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna faced a strong backlash on social media after India lost by four wickets against South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday. Temper endured a memorable evening, returning with figures of 8.2-0-85-2 and finishing with an economy rate of over 10 runs. His struggle with line and length during the crucial stages of the chase opened the floodgates for South Africa, who chased down a stiff target of 359 with surprising comfort.Fans online didn’t hold back, with many mocking his right arm for his expensive outing. One user wrote, “If Pakistan has Haris Rauf, then India has Prasidh Krishna, both are running machines.” Another called for a change in India’s tempo attack, saying, “It is high time the Indian team dropped Prasidh Krishna and brought back Siraj.” A third fan went further and declared, “I will pick 50-year-old Mohammed Shami over any version of Prasidh Krishna in any format.” Another quipped, “Prasidh krishna is the man of the match. He said under the theme that I gave the best performance of my career.”India had earlier posted a commanding 358/5, thanks to brilliant centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. But despite the formidable total, Aiden Markram’s superb 110 from 98, supported by Matthew Breetzke’s fluent 68 and Dewald Brevis’ brisk 54, propelled South Africa to one of their best ODI chases.Markram controlled the innings beautifully, capitalizing on a tossed chance of 53, while partnerships of 101 and 92 kept South Africa in front throughout. The dew only compounded India’s woes as both the seamers and spinners failed to grip or hold the ball effectively.Corbin Bosch’s calm, unbeaten 29 saw South Africa cross the line with four balls to spare.With the series now level at 1-1, India will head to the Visakhapatnam decider needing sharper execution with the ball. For Prasidh Krishna, the spotlight is only getting brighter as calls for changes in the bowling attack continue to grow.
