India Must Prioritise Bumrah and Pant's Fitness

Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell emphasised on Sunday that Team India, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, should focus on ensuring the fitness of key players Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant for upcoming matches. Chappell's comments came after India’s commanding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

India, currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, will face New Zealand in three home Tests and Australia in five away Tests as part of their WTC campaign. In his ESPNcricinfo column, Chappell highlighted India's need to avoid major injuries while getting more players into form.

"India's main goal should be to get as many players into form as possible while avoiding major injuries. However, the focus must be on ensuring the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant," Chappell wrote.

He also praised Pant's growth as a wicketkeeper, especially his improvement against spinners. "Pant's evolution from a questionable keeper against spinners to a skilled gloveman shows his dedication. His ability to stand up to the stumps significantly improved after an ultimatum from Shastri, enhancing the team's fielding," Chappell added.

India will soon face Australia in the much-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, and the iconic Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, 2025, promising a thrilling finish to the contest.