NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Ian Chappell says pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will be crucial for India to claim a historic series hat-trick in Australia.
Cricket guru Chappell believes India’s upcoming five Test matches, including three against New Zealand, will be ideal preparation for the highly-anticipated series against Australia in the World Test Championship cycle.
Chappell stressed the importance of Bumrah and Pant remaining injury-free and in tip-top condition.
“India’s number one priority will be to get as many players fit as possible without any major injuries, but the most pressing issue is achieving that target with Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant,” Chappell wrote in his ESPN Click Info column.
“Pant’s return to the Test arena is quite remarkable given his horrific car accident. He is a vital wicketkeeper-batsman for the Indian batting line-up and if he is at his best on the tour of Australia he will be a great boost to the team.”
Pant was a key contributor to India’s last series win in Australia (2020-21), notably scoring 97 in Sydney and a memorable 89 not out at the Gabba in the series final.
Chappell, an avid cricket analyst, emphasised the importance of Pant’s wicketkeeping on the bouncy Australian pitches.
“If Pant is at his best he will be an ideal keeper for Australian conditions. If he can continue to perform agilely even when he drops back, that’s what you want in Australia. You need a keeper who can cover a large area well on both sides of the wicket.”
“A keeper who meets these requirements will not only improve his team’s defence but also enable the slip fielder to cover more ground,” he elaborated.
Chappell is grateful to former head coach Ravi Shastri for setting high expectations which led to Pant’s wicketkeeping skills improving significantly.
“Pant’s ability on the stumps has improved dramatically following an ultimatum from coach Ravi Shastri before his serious injury. The fact that Pant has progressed from being a dodgy keeper against spinners to being a very good gloveman on the stumps is a great testament to his work ethic.”
Bumrah’s fitness and form will also be important in Australia. Since recovering from surgery on a stress fracture in his lower back in August 2023, he has managed his workload effectively across formats, with an emphasis on key matches.
Bumrah has been a regular in Test matches and has been a frequent feature in the series against South Africa and England.
“The good form and fitness of both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, the two most successful pace bowlers in the last tour of Australia, is essential. Of the two, Bumrah is the leader of the attack.”
“A key aspect for India in their preparations for the tour of Australia will be to ensure that Bumrah remains fit and able to play the majority of the five Test matches.”
Chappell reflected on his time as captain, when Dennis Lillee preferred to play regularly when fit, rather than resting him excessively.
Chappell is also hopeful that Mohammed Shami will recover in time for the series.
“It would be ideal if the mercurial Mohammed Shami could flourish in Australia, but the presence of a talented left-arm pacer would also add versatility to India’s attack.”
“Spin bowling will depend on the prowess of Jediyah and Ashwin. Still, I would not downplay the importance of Kuldeep Yadav on some of the courts in Australia.”
For Chappell, Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a strong start to his Test career but the Australian tracks will require a different temperament from the Mumbai left-hander.
“Among the younger batsmen, Yashasvi Jaiswal looks extremely talented but will need to perform in form in Australia. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should act as guiding lights for the younger batsmen on the tour,” Chappell wrote.
Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant’s fitness and form are key to India’s victory in Australia: Ian Chappell | Cricket News
