‘I Thought You Abused Me’ – Team India Pacer Reveals Heated Exchange with Joe Root in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Team India pacer Prasidh Krishna has revealed his heated exchange with Joe Root during the fifth Test against England at the Oval in London. Krishna said that Root thought he was being abused on the field. Although Root is usually a calm player, he got angry when England tried to take the advantage from India on Day 2 of the fifth Test. During the conversation, Root reacted aggressively, and the umpires had to step in and separate them.

Krishna on Heated Moment with Joe Root

Speaking in a recent interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Prasidh Krishna talked about his heated moment with Joe Root. He said, "I don't know why Rooty reacted. I just said, 'You're looking in great shape,' and then it turned into a lot of abuse. I spoke to most of them, including Root. I asked him what happened. He said, 'I thought you abused me.' I said, 'No.' He replied, 'I just wanted to get myself going, so I had to pump myself up.'"

“That’s what I love about the sport. That’s the way I’ve always played it. To see everybody, especially a legend like him, putting it all out there and fighting for the team, is something for everyone to learn from,” Krishna added.

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Krishna Praises Root and Key Performance

Although Krishna struggled in his first two Tests, he played a key role in helping India win by six runs at The Oval. He took eight wickets across two innings as India defended 373 on Day 5. Krishna also praised Root for giving his best to help his team. He said, "That's what I love about the sport. To see everyone, especially a legend like him, putting it all out there and fighting for the team, is something for everyone to learn from. Sometimes it takes more than skill; it takes mental grit to be part of that journey."

More Incidents During the Test

Root was visibly upset at something Krishna said, shouting at the seamer before the umpires warned India about their behavior.

Ben Duckett was involved in two incidents during the match. In the second, he appeared to anger Sai Sudharsan after his late dismissal. Earlier, he was heard on stump microphones telling Akash Deep, “You can’t get me out,” only to be dismissed by the pace bowler and receive an unusual send-off.

The five-Test series ended 2-2, and India and England shared the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.