Introduction: The Spell That Announced a Star
On March 23, 2021, Prasidh Krishna, a lanky 25-year-old from Bengaluru, stood at the crease in Pune during his ODI debut against England. With England cruising at 135/0, he unleashed a fiery spell of 4/54, becoming the first Indian bowler to take four wickets on ODI debut. That performance wasn’t just a personal milestone—it marked the rise of India’s next pace sensation. Today, Prasidh is a blend of raw pace, resilience, and tactical brilliance. This blog explores his journey from Karnataka’s maidans to the global stage, his IPL saga, and the life shaping his legacy.
Early Life and Background: From Bengaluru’s Backstreets to Cricket’s Limelight
Born on February 19, 1996, in Bengaluru, Prasidh Krishna grew up in a middle-class family. His father, M. Krishna, a lawyer, and mother, Latha, a homemaker, emphasized academics. But Prasidh’s 6’2” frame and natural pace destined him for cricket. At 14, he joined the Bangalore United Cricket Club, mentored by coach K. Jeshwant. A growth spurt at 17 saw his speed touch 140 kph, catching the eye of Karnataka selectors.
Key Early Milestones
- 2015: Debuted for Karnataka U19, taking 8/32 vs Andhra Pradesh.
- 2017: First-Class debut vs Jharkhand, claiming 4/49.
- 2018: Named Karnataka’s leading wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (22 wickets).
Domestic Career: Karnataka’s Pace Pillar
Prasidh’s ability to extract bounce and bowl pinpoint yorkers made him a domestic force.
Domestic Stats (As of July 2024)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 32 | 112 | 23.45 | 3.15 | 7/49 vs Mumbai (2022) |
| List A | 45 | 78 | 28.90 | 4.95 | 5/12 vs Tamil Nadu (2021) |
| T20s | 68 | 89 | 21.80 | 7.80 | 4/15 vs Punjab (2023) |
Source: BCCI Domestic Records
Notable Achievements
- 2020/21 Vijay Hazare Trophy: 17 wickets at 18.23, Karnataka’s MVP.
- 2022 Ranji Trophy: 34 wickets, spearheading Karnataka to the final.
- 2023 Deodhar Trophy: 12 wickets in 5 games, South Zone’s Player of the Series.
International Career: India’s ODI Powerplay Specialist
Prasidh’s international journey, though marred by injuries, has seen flashes of brilliance.
International Stats (As of July 2024)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Avg | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 18 | 29 | 28.60 | 5.45 | 4/12 vs West Indies (2022) |
| T20Is | 5 | 6 | 24.50 | 8.90 | 2/29 vs Sri Lanka (2023) |
Career Highlights
- 2021 ODI Debut vs England: Historic 4/54, turning the game for India.
- 2022 West Indies Tour: Player of the Series with 9 wickets in 3 ODIs.
- 2023 Asia Cup: Return from stress fracture, taking 3/34 vs Pakistan.
IPL Journey: From Kolkata’s Prodigy to Rajasthan’s Enforcer
Prasidh’s IPL career began in 2018 with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but his true breakout came with Rajasthan Royals (RR).
IPL Career Stats (2018–2024)
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7 | 5 | 9.30 | Debut vs RCB (1/28) |
| 2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 10 | 12 | 8.60 | 3/30 vs PBKS, Super Over Heroics |
| 2022 | Rajasthan Royals | 17 | 19 | 8.25 | Key death bowler in RR’s final run |
| 2024 | Rajasthan Royals | 12 | 14 | 8.90 | 3/22 vs MI, 50th IPL Wicket |
IPL 2025 Salary (Projected): ₹7–9 crore (Sources: Cricbuzz Auction Analysis)
Recent Career Highlights (2023–2024)
- 2023 ODI World Cup: Limited to 2 games due to injury but took 3/59 vs Netherlands.
- 2024 Ranji Trophy Comeback: 18 wickets in 4 matches, guiding Karnataka to semifinals.
- IPL 2024: Economical 4/24 vs Gujarat Titans, earning Player of the Match.
Net Worth and Endorsements: The Financial Bouncer
At 28, Prasidh’s net worth is estimated at ₹25–30 crore ($3–3.6 million), fueled by:
- Cricket Earnings: ₹18 crore (IPL salaries, BCCI contracts).
- Endorsements: ₹5–7 crore (deals with PUMA, Boat, Karnataka Tourism).
- Investments: Co-owns a Bengaluru sports pub (Pace & Grace) and a fitness startup.
Endorsement Portfolio
| Brand | Deal Type | Since |
|---|---|---|
| PUMA | Apparel & Footwear | 2021 |
| Boat | Audio Campaigns | 2022 |
| Karnataka Tourism | Brand Ambassador | 2023 |
Personal Life: The Quiet Force Off the Field
Prasidh’s life beyond cricket revolves around family and philanthropy. He funds cricket scholarships for underprivileged kids in Karnataka and adopted 10 stray dogs during the pandemic. A coffee aficionado, he owns a specialty coffee roastery in Bengaluru. His Instagram (@prasidhkrishna) blends training reels, coffee art, and throwbacks to Karnataka’s Ranji wins.
Future Prospects: The Comeback King
After overcoming a lumbar stress fracture in 2023, Prasidh eyes a permanent ODI role and T20 World Cup 2024 berth.
What’s Next?
- 2024/25 Season: Target 50+ wickets across formats.
- IPL 2025: Secure ₹10+ crore contract as RR’s pace leader.
- Global Leagues: CPL and The Hundred franchises in talks.
Conclusion: The Unrelenting Spirit of India’s Pace Future
Prasidh Krishna’s story isn’t about speed—it’s about resilience. From Bengaluru’s local leagues to World Cup comebacks, he’s redefined perseverance. As IPL 2025 approaches, Prasidh isn’t just chasing wickets; he’s proving that setbacks are setups for greater comebacks. Whether bowling thunderbolts or brewing coffee, he’s cricket’s quiet storm—a testament to grit’s enduring power.
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
