Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has stressed the importance of keeping key Indian players, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, fit for upcoming matches under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Chappell’s comments followed India’s dominant 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
India, currently atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, is set to face New Zealand in three home Tests and Australia in five away Tests as part of their WTC campaign. In his column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell emphasised India's need to balance form and fitness.
"India's primary focus should be on getting as many players into form while avoiding major injuries. However, the critical task is ensuring the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant," Chappell wrote.
He also lauded Pant's development as a wicketkeeper, particularly his improved skills against spin bowling. "Pant has transformed from being a questionable keeper to a skilled gloveman, especially after an ultimatum from Ravi Shastri. His improvement in standing up to the stumps has significantly boosted India's fielding," Chappell noted.
India will soon take on Australia in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting with the first Test on November 22 in Perth. The series will feature five Tests, including a day-night match in Adelaide from December 6 to 10, the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, and will conclude with the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, 2025, promising an exciting showdown.