Former Australia captain Ian Chappell said that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant need to remain injury-free and in top form if India are to achieve a historic hat-trick of series wins in Australia. Chappell feels that the five Test matches in this World Test Championship cycle are ideal preparation for the Indian team ahead of the bilateral series against Australia which also includes three Tests against New Zealand.
Chappell wrote in his column in ‘ESPN Cricinfo’, “India’s priority will be that most of its players remain in form and they do not suffer any major injuries. However, the most important thing will be that Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant remain in form and free from injuries. ” He said, “The way Pant has returned to Tests after a terrible car accident is fantastic. He is an important wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian batting order and if he remains in form for the Australian tour, it will boost the team’s morale. “
Pant was the hero of India’s last series win in Australia in 2020-21. Chappell said, “If Pant can perform at his best, it will be good for India as he is the ideal wicketkeeper for Australian conditions.” He said that the key aspect for India in Australia would be Bumrah’s fitness and form. Bumrah has managed his workload well since returning from ‘stress fracture’ surgery in the lower back in August 2023.
Chappell said, “The good form and fitness of both Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj, the two most successful fast bowlers on the last Australian tour, is important. Bumrah leads the fast bowling attack.” He is also hoping that Mohammad Shami will be fit before the series starts. He said, “If Mohammad Shami becomes fit for Australia, it will be ideal and his presence will also add variety to India’s bowling attack.” He said, “Spin bowling is also good with Jadeja and Ashwin. But I will not underestimate the importance of Kuldeep Yadav on Australian pitches.”
