Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant’s fitness and form key to India’s chances in Australia: Ian Chappell | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and keeper-batter Rishabh Pant are vital for India if they hope to secure a historic series hat-trick in Australia, according to former Australian captain Ian Chappell.
Chappell, a respected voice in cricket, believes that India’s upcoming five Test matches, including three against New Zealand, are an ideal preparation for the highly anticipated series against Australia in the World Test Championship cycle.
Chappell emphasized on the significance of Bumrah and Pant staying injury-free and in top form.
“…India’s priority will be to get as many players as possible into form without suffering major injuries. However, the most pressing matters are to achieve those aims with Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPN Cricinfo.
“Pant’s ability to bounce back onto the Test scene is quite remarkable given his horrific car accident. He is a crucial wicketkeeper-batter in the Indian line-up and he’d give the team a major boost if he’s at the peak of his powers for the Australian tour.”
Pant was instrumental in India’s last series win in Australia (2020-21), notably scoring 97 in Sydney and an unforgettable 89 not out at the Gabba in the series decider.
As a keen cricket analyst, Chappell highlighted the importance of Pant’s wicket-keeping on bouncy Australian pitches.
“If Pant can perform at his best, he’s the ideal keeper for Australian conditions. If he’s able to continue with his agile performance standing back, that is what is required in Australia. You need a keeper who capably covers a lot of territory to both sides of the wicket.
“Any keeper who fulfils those requirements not only improves the team’s fielding but also allows the slip fielders to spread wider to cover extra territory,” he elaborated.
Chappell credits former head coach Ravi Shastri for setting high expectations that improved Pant’s wicket-keeping skills significantly.
“Pant’s keeping standing up to the stumps drastically improved before his serious injury, following an ultimatum from coach Ravi Shastri. The fact that Pant progressed from being a dubious keeper against spinners to a very good gloveman standing up to the stumps, admirably displayed his willingness to work hard.”
Bumrah’s fitness and form will also be critical in Australia. Since recovering from a lower back stress fracture surgery in August 2023, Bumrah has managed his workload effectively across different formats, focusing on key matches.
Bumrah has been consistently playing in Test matches, participating extensively in series against South Africa and England.
“The good form and fitness of both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj – the two most successful pace bowlers on the last Australian tour – is essential. Of those two, Bumrah is the attack leader.
“A critical part of India’s build-up to the Australian tour will be ensuring Bumrah is in form but remains fit to play the bulk of the five Tests.”
Chappell recalled his own captaincy years when Dennis Lillee preferred to play regularly when in form, instead of being rested excessively.
Chappell also hopes that Mohammed Shami will be fit in time for the series.
“It would be ideal if the mercurial Mohammed Shami is fit for Australia but the presence of a good left-arm paceman would also improve India’s variety in attack.
“The spin bowling is in good hands with Jadeja and Ashwin. Nevertheless I wouldn’t discount the importance of Kuldeep Yadav on some Australian surfaces.”
For Chappell, Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a good start to his Test career but Australian tracks will demand different temperament from the Mumbai left-hander.
“Of the young batters Yashasvi Jaiswal looks very talented but he needs to show good form in Australia. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should act as guiding lights for the younger batters on tour,” Chappell wrote.