IPL 2018 was supposed to be the perfect platform for India‘s Under-19 World Cup star Kamlesh Nagarkoti to graduate to the next level after setting the stage alight with his speed and aggression during the U19 tournament in New Zealand earlier in the year.
But a foot injury meant the teenager didn’t get to showcase his skills at the senior level. His place in the Kolkata Knight Riders team went to the unheralded Prasidh Krishna and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Krishna, who was just a net bowler at the beginning of the year and not a regular for his state side Karnataka, was spotted by KKR talent scouts and got drafted into the team. The lanky pacer turned heads with his quick arm action and disconcerting bounce. In seven matches for the Knight Riders, Krishna snared 10 wickets and even though he was expensive at 9.2 an over, he had done enough to put himself on the radar.
Krishna was selected for the India ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams and his last two efforts have put him in the limelight.
Playing for India ‘B’ in the Quadrangular series, he picked up 4-49 in a 50-over match against South Africa A before picking up 4-50 against India ‘A’.
Krishna hits the deck hard and at just 22 years of age, has a long road ahead of him. And if he sustains his fitness and discipline, India will gain yet another fine pace bowling option to add to their ever-growing arsenal.
