Oval: In a fiery moment that lit up the second day of the India–England Test at The Oval, Indian fast bowler Prasidh Krishna and England’s batting maestro Joe Root locked horns in an unexpected war of words. The heated exchange, which took place during the 22nd over of England’s innings, didn’t go unnoticed especially as the umpires had to step in to calm the situation. The video, now doing rounds on social media, has sparked wide debate among cricket fans.
Root, who had been steady at the crease, failed to score off the fifth ball of Prasidh’s over. The Indian pacer seized the opportunity to needle him with a sledge. What followed was classic Root an authoritative boundary on the very next delivery, coupled with a pointed look back at the bowler. The atmosphere sizzled with tension.
Now, breaking his silence, Prasidh Krishna has shed light on what transpired between the two. “That was the plan, but…” he chuckled, addressing the media after the match. “Honestly, it was a team tactic. We thought putting a bit of pressure through words might break his rhythm. I said something like ‘You're playing well,’ but Root didn’t take it lightly. I never imagined it would escalate the way it did.”
Despite the on-field friction, Prasidh insisted that there was no bad blood. “It was pure cricketing heat,” he said. “We’re good friends outside the ground. That duel was more fun than feud. I enjoy those moments it charges me up. If I get a chance to poke a batter verbally, I’ll take it. If it irritates him, that’s a bonus.”
Still, he admitted that Root is among the players he respects most. “I admire him a lot. He’s one of the most composed batters I’ve bowled to. But hey, even the calmest ones can react if you hit the right nerve!”
While the scoreboard told one story, the charged energy between bat and ball told another. In the end, it was not just cricket it was theatre. And for fans on both sides, it was an unforgettable chapter in the ever-intense India-England rivalry.