Don't know why Root reacted that way: Prasidh on heated altercation in 5th Test

India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has spoken for the first time about his on-field spat with former England captain Joe Root during the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the Oval, insisting the flashpoint was down to a misunderstanding.

The five-match series between India and England was one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory, finishing 2-2 after a dramatic finale in south London. The decider was played with no shortage of intensity, and tempers briefly flared on the second day when Root and Krishna engaged in a verbal exchange shortly after the Yorkshireman's arrival at the crease.

Recalling the moment, Krishna explained: "I don't know why Rooty reacted (that way). I just said, 'you're looking in great shape' and then it turned into a lot of abuse and all of that."

The 29-year-old revealed that he later cleared the air with Root, with whom he has shared the Rajasthan Royals dressing room in the Indian Premier League.

"I did go and speak to most of them - including Root. I asked him what happened. He said, 'I thought you abused me'. I said, 'No', and he replied, 'I actually just wanted to get myself going as well, so I had to pump myself up.'"

Despite the heated moment, Krishna said he respected Root's approach to the contest.

"That's what I love about the sport - that's the way I've always played it. To see everybody, and especially a legend like him, putting it all out there and fighting for the team, even today, that's something for everyone to learn. You're out there to fight, to win battles. Sometimes it takes a lot more than just skill; it takes a lot of mental grit to be part of that journey," he added.

Krishna was one of India's standout performers in the series, taking 14 wickets across three Tests. At the Oval, where India held their nerve to secure a six-run victory, he bowled mammoth spells, finishing with figures of 8 for 188 from 43 overs. The effort, he admitted, pushed him to his limits.

"Physically, it took a lot out of me. It took me about a week to shake it off. Then I came back, played a few games in the Maharaja Trophy. It felt good to go back to my state, be with my statemates, chat with the youngsters, and just get that feeling of being back in cricket again," Krishna said.

The Bengaluru pacer, who has taken 22 wickets in six Tests for India, is eager to build on his progress.

"Once that was over, I got back to training in Bengaluru, started bowling, and we had a few [BCCI-mandated fitness] tests over the last two days. And now, this morning when I woke up, I felt really good - like, 'Okay, I'm ready to go play some more cricket now'," he added.