Team India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has opened up about his fiery exchange with Joe Root during the fifth Test against England at the Oval, London. Krishna revealed that Root believed he had been verbally abused on the field. Though normally composed, the former England captain couldn’t stay calm as the hosts tried to gain the upper hand against India on Day 2 of the fifth Test.
During their on-field conversation, Root responded aggressively, prompting the umpires to step in and separate the two. In a recent interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Krishna shared his thoughts on the intense confrontation with the English veteran:
“I don’t know why Rooty reacted. I just said, ‘you’re looking in great shape’ and then it turned into a lot of abuse and all of that. I did go and speak to most of them – including Root. I asked him what happened. He said, ‘I thought you abused me’. I said, ‘No’, and he replied, ‘I actually just wanted to get myself going as well, so I had to pump myself up’.”
Despite a quiet start in his first two Tests, the Karnataka pacer turned the game in India’s favour with a match-winning performance at The Oval. He claimed eight wickets across both innings, helping India defend 373 and secure a thrilling six-run victory on Day 5.
“Cricket is all about fighting for the team” – Prasidh Krishna on Joe Root
Prasidh Krishna also commended the Englishman for putting in his all to help his team. He remarked that cricket is richer and more exciting with players like Joe Root, adding:
“That’s what I love about the sport – that’s the way I’ve always played it. To see everybody, and especially a legend like him, putting it all out there and fighting for the team, even today, that’s something for everyone to learn from. You’re out there to fight, to win battles. Sometimes it takes a lot more than just skill; it takes a lot of mental grit to be part of that journey.”
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