Why Prasidh Krishna is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 3rd ODI?

India and New Zealand are facing each other in the third and final match of the three-match ODI series at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18. With the series levelled at 1-1, this contest promises to be an enthralling one.

The Men in Blue won the toss and opted to bowl first on what looks like a good batting surface in Indore. However, the team made one change in the final match as they dropped fast bowler Prasidh Krishna from the IND vs NZ 3rd ODI.

Why Prasidh Krishna is Not Playing Today?

Considering the importance of the match, the Indian team decided to drop the tall and lanky pacer Prasidh Krishna from the playing 11 for the 3rd ODI, as he hasn't been very effective in the series. Prasidh played the first two matches and bowled a total of 18 overs but managed to take only three wickets, conceding 108 runs on the way.

The fans questioned India's team selection and criticised the decision to select Prasidh ahead of the left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, who brings a different variety to the attack. However, finally, Arshdeep has been included in the playing XI as Prasidh Krishna replacement for this match.

Both Arshdeep and Prasidh Krishna are among the best bowlers in India at the moment and will be crucial in the upcoming months across formats. Goven their skills, both are likely to be in contention for the World Cup to be held next year in pace-friendly conditions.

Arshdeep Singh vs Prasidh Krishna in ODIs

Arshdeep Singh is the No. 1 T20I bowler for India, but lacks experience when it comes to the fifty-over format. He is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world but is relatively new when it comes to ODIs. The left-arm pacer has played 14 ODI matches so far in his career, picking up 22 wickets at an average of 24.90. While talking about Prasidh, he has better stats in the ODI format as compared to Arshdeep.

Krishna has played 23 ODI matches and has taken 40 wickets at an average of 27.55. However, the right-arm pacer hasn't been at his best in the ongoing series, and as a result, the Indian team management was forced to bench him and give Arshdeep a chance.

Considering the 2027 ODI World Cup, Arshdeep will aim to cash in on the opportunity and perform well to secure his place in India's ODI squad and feature in the upcoming major event next year. The left-arm quick will also be in attention in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, where he can play a key role for the defending champions. He was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup 2024 and played a big role in India's title-winning run.