New Delhi: India would need to wrap their star performers in cotton wool to preserve their fitness as their form will determine how they perform in the high-profile Border-Gavaskar series that begins in November, said Ian Chappell.
India tour Australia for a five Test series beginning in Perth from November 22, having won four editions of the series on the trot – two at home and two away.
Chappell said the fitness and form of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant would be key for India to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Bumrah has suffered from back issues while Pant returned to action earlier this year after a horrific car accident in 2022. Both have been in form in India’s 280run win over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai.
“…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 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.
“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,” the former Australia skipper said.
“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.
‘Bumrah and Siraj essential’
Chappell pointed out that Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the key bowler in India’s victory in Australia last time around and would once again play a pivotal role in shaping India’s performance.
He also hoping that another star pacer Mohammed Shami becomes fit from an ankle injury that has kept him on the sidelines since the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“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.”
With India’s spin bowling attack sorted in the presence of Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, they need young batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal to come good.
“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,” he said.
India tour Australia for a five Test series beginning in Perth from November 22, having won four editions of the series on the trot – two at home and two away. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
