Prasidh Krishna’s Bold Tactic to Disrupt Joe Root Revealed
A Calculated Plan to Disrupt Joe Root’s Focus
India’s fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has lifted the veil on a key tactic from the fifth Test against England at The Oval—a deliberate verbal exchange aimed at shaking Joe Root’s composure. The move, which unfolded early in Root’s innings, saw the usually calm England batter react with unexpected intensity, adding fire to an already charged contest.
While the exact words went unheard on the stump mic, the confrontation sparked widespread debate. Krishna, who delivered a standout performance with figures of 4-62, later admitted the reaction caught him off guard. It was part of the plan to disrupt him, but I didn’t expect my few words to get such a big reaction, he said. I have massive respect for Root—he’s a legend. But on the field, we’re competitors. It was just the heat of the moment.
The bowler was quick to clarify that there was no personal animosity, emphasizing, Off the field, we’re fine. Just competitive banter—nothing more.
Tensions Escalate in a High-Stakes Series
The verbal spat added another explosive chapter to a series already brimming with drama. England entered the Test with a 2-1 lead, but tempers had been flaring from earlier clashes. India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, set the tone even before the match with a heated exchange with The Oval’s ground staff.
The friction didn’t stop there. Shubman Gill publicly accused England of stalling tactics, while Mohammed Siraj found himself penalized after an aggressive send-off to Ben Duckett at Lord’s.
Even earlier in the game, Akash Deep added to the tension by putting his arm around Duckett’s shoulder after dismissing him—a gesture England’s assistant coach Marcus Trescothick called unusual. I’ve never seen a bowler do that, Trescothick said. There’s always chatter, but this was surprising. Ben’s not one to react, so it wasn’t necessary. Still, it’s been a fiercely contested but respectful series.
Did the Plan to Disrupt Joe Root Succeed?
Despite Krishna’s efforts, Root seemed largely unfazed, playing with fluency before falling lbw to Siraj for 29. Trescothick acknowledged the tactic but minimized its impact. India tried something different, got under his skin, and Joe responded, he noted. Normally, he’d laugh it off, but this time he engaged. It didn’t affect his game.
The battle highlighted the psychological aspect of Test cricket—how even the best players can be tested beyond just skill. While Root didn’t produce a massive score, the question remains: did India’s mind games plant a seed of doubt?
Vaughan Slams England’s Selection Strategy
As England struggled in their first innings, former captain Michael Vaughan didn’t hold back in criticizing their team composition. With inexperienced players thrust into a high-pressure scenario, he called the move extraordinary.
Youngster Jacob Bethell, making his series debut at 21, had played just one red-ball match in seven months before the Test and managed only six runs. Meanwhile, Jamie Overton, drafted in due to injuries, had minimal first-class exposure—just four matches since September 2023—and looked visibly rusty.
Throwing players with no match sharpness into a game like this is a risk, Vaughan said. If your body and mind aren’t battle-ready, you’ll struggle. They’re not being set up for success.
Who Holds the Edge? Experts Divided
With the match hanging in the balance, opinions are split on which team has the upper hand. Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta praised India’s mental toughness. They’ve handled pressure brilliantly, he said. The pitch will get better, but discipline is key. They messed up at Lord’s, dominated at Old Trafford—now it’s time for one last push.
Ex-England skipper Sir Alastair Cook, meanwhile, leaned toward his side. England are slight favorites, he said. If the pitch eases up, they could take control.
A Tactical Duel That Could Decide the Series
As the final Test reaches its climax, Krishna’s revelation underscores how much psychological warfare influences the game. Whether India’s attempts to disrupt Joe Root ultimately shift the momentum—or if England’s resilience wins out—remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: this thrilling battle of wits, skill, and nerve has kept fans on the edge of their seats. In a contest where every minor advantage matters, the team that keeps its cool under pressure could walk away with the trophy.
The plan to disrupt Joe Root might not have yielded instant rewards, but in a series this tight, even the smallest mental crack could prove decisive. With both sides refusing to back down, the final innings promises even more fireworks.
