Prasidh Krishna's 5-23 vs Afghanistan: Gavaskar sees career turning point
Synopsis
Prasidh Krishna went from wicketless in the first ODI and dropped for the second to a career-best 5 for 23 in the third — and Sunil Gavaskar believes that is no small shift. The Chepauk five-fer, backed by Jaiswal's unbeaten 110 and a 170-run opening stand with Rohit, sealed a nine-wicket sweep and India's first series win under Shubman Gill. The real story is whether Prasidh can hold this fuller-length discipline going forward.
Key Takeaways
Prasidh Krishna claimed a maiden ODI five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 23 in nine overs against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium .
Sunil Gavaskar said Prasidh 'could be at a turning point in his career' after the match-winning spell.
Afghanistan were reduced to 36 for 4 early before recovering to 218 all out in 44.2 overs , with Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring 102 .
Yashasvi Jaiswal hit an unbeaten 110 — his second ODI century in three innings — sharing a 170-run stand with Rohit Sharma (79).
India won by nine wickets , completing a series sweep and their first ODI series victory under captain Shubman Gill .
Prasidh Krishna claimed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 23 in nine overs to dismantle Afghanistan's top order and power India to a commanding nine-wicket victory in the third ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 20 June, sealing a series sweep. The performance prompted batting legend Sunil Gavaskar to suggest the fast bowler may have arrived at a pivotal moment in his international career.
Prasidh's Match-Winning Spell
Handed the new ball — an opportunity he rarely gets — Prasidh made an immediate impact, reducing Afghanistan to 36 for 4 with an incisive opening burst. His attacking line and fuller lengths drew edges and beaten drives alike, exploiting the carry and zip on offer at the Chepauk surface. He returned later in the innings to remove Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and complete his five-for, finishing with figures that stand as the best of his ODI career.
Afghanistan recovered partially through Shahidi's gritty 102 and a 50 from Azmatullah Omarzai, but the early damage proved too deep to repair. The visitors were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs.
What Gavaskar Said
'That is the beauty of Indian cricket, there are always replacements ready, and I think Prasidh Krishna could be at a turning point in his career. He has been in and out of the side, and he went wicketless in the first ODI and didn't play the second game either,' Gavaskar said on Jio Hotstar.
The former India captain elaborated on the tactical shift that made the difference: 'In the third ODI, he bowled fuller lengths and made the ball work. He got the new ball, which is rare for him. In this game, with the new ball in hand, he used it well. He read the pitch well; there was carry and a bit of zip. That is what you need to do as a fast bowler.'
Gavaskar also pointed to Prasidh's natural aggression as the key unlocked: 'In his heart, he is an attacking bowler. Fast bowlers love to make batters uncomfortable, make them hop and weave. That is where they get their joy. Earlier, he was bowling too short and getting punished. But now he is pitching it up, getting movement, and taking wickets. That is the change that has made the difference.'
India's Comfortable Chase
Chasing 219, India were never troubled. Yashasvi Jaiswal struck an unbeaten 110 — his second ODI century in just three innings — while Rohit Sharma contributed a fluent 79. The pair stitched a 170-run opening stand that rendered the target academic, with the hosts completing the chase with nine wickets in hand.
Series Significance
The victory handed India a clean sweep of the three-match series and marked their first ODI series triumph under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. Notably, Prasidh's resurgence comes at a time when India's pace-bowling depth is being tested ahead of a demanding international calendar, making his form all the more relevant for selectors.
Point of View
Trusting the pitch, attacking the stumps rather than the body. Gavaskar's endorsement carries weight, but the harder question is whether the selection ecosystem will give Prasidh the sustained run he needs to cement this adjustment. India's pace-bowling depth is a double-edged sword — it produces competition but also the churn that has kept Prasidh perpetually on the fringes.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Prasidh Krishna's bowling figures against Afghanistan in the third ODI?
Prasidh Krishna took 5 wickets for 23 runs in nine overs in the third ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on 20 June. These are the best figures of his ODI career and his maiden five-wicket haul in the format.
What did Sunil Gavaskar say about Prasidh Krishna after the match?
Gavaskar said Prasidh 'could be at a turning point in his career,' noting that the fast bowler had been in and out of the side and went wicketless in the first ODI before being dropped for the second. He credited Prasidh's shift to fuller lengths and better use of the new ball as the key change.
How did India win the third ODI against Afghanistan?
India won by nine wickets, chasing down a target of 219 with ease. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 110 and Rohit Sharma made 79, sharing a 170-run opening stand that sealed the match comfortably.
Who scored a century for Afghanistan in the third ODI?
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scored a gritty 102 after his side collapsed to 36 for 4. Azmatullah Omarzai also contributed 50, but Afghanistan were still bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs.
What is the significance of India's series win over Afghanistan?
The three-match series sweep marked India's first ODI series victory under captain Shubman Gill. It also highlighted the emergence of Prasidh Krishna as a reliable new-ball option and Yashasvi Jaiswal's rapid rise as an ODI opener.
