Bumrah-Pant's fitness-form will give India victory in Australia, Chappell said on Border-Gavaskar Trophy

New Delhi: A two-Test match series is being played between India and Bangladesh. India has won the first match of this series. Indian players have shown excellent performance in the match. In such a situation, now former Australian captain Ian Chappell believes that Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant can play a very important role in helping India achieve a hat-trick of historic victories against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Chappell feels that the five Test matches in this World Test Championship cycle are ideal preparation for the Indian team before 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 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 made a comeback in Test cricket after a terrible car accident is fantastic. He is an important wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian batting order and if he stays in form for the Australian tour, it will boost the morale of the team.”

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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 will be Bumrah's fitness and form. Bumrah has managed his workload well since his return in August 2023 after 'stress fracture' surgery in the lower back. Chappell said, “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 Mohammed Shami will be fit before the series starts. He said, “If Mohammed 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.”

(With agency input)