Amid the ongoing Colombo Test against Sri Lanka, India bowling coach Morne Morkel heaped praise on Prasidh Krishna for blocking out constant criticism to develop into a world-class bowler.

After India declared their massive first innings at 503/9, their bowlers put on a clinical display to reduce Sri Lanka to 265/8 before bad light and rain forced early stumps on Day 3.

Leading the charge with extra bounce, Prasidh Krishna dismissed key batters like Kamil Mishara and Kamindu Mendis, returning with a sharp spell of 3/47. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar matched Krishna's output with 3/83.

“It (the spell) showed the character of Prasidh. He has the media on his back, the commentators on his back, to fight through that and his bowling at the moment is very impressive," Morkel told reporters after the close of play on Day 3.

The coach commended how Krishna fought through those elements, stayed focused, and is simply enjoying his cricket.

“It’s about quieting those voices and just playing cricket. As a team, we always knew about his potential. As soon as you get into this environment, you want to impress a billion cricket fans; you are under the microscope, every movement gets analysed and sometimes you try and fight against those elements," Morkel said.

“But Prasidh, for me, the biggest change is just to let go of all those thoughts, all those comments that are made on him…he is just enjoying his cricket," he added.

Morkel described Prasidh Krishna as a hard worker and a "student of the game" with the potential to play for India across all formats for a long time.

“He is an extremely hard worker; he is a guy that will do a lot of homework, going into games, doing a lot of research about the opposition. So for him, he is a massive student of the game," Morkel stated.

“It’s just great to see him grow and develop into a world-class bowler. I think for India, in all formats, he has the potential and talent to play for a very long time," he further remarked.

Sonal Dinusha fought bravely, finishing Day 3 unbeaten on 85* alongside Lahiru Kumara to delay India's push for a follow-on. The hosts need another 39 runs to make the visitors bat again.

Having won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs, Shubman Gill’s men are leading the two-match series 1-0. A 2-0 win in the island nation will revive India’s hopes of reaching the 2025-27 WTC final.