Ian Chappell believes that India’s top priority should be to focus on Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant’s fitness

In the first Test match, India defeated Bangladesh by a commanding 280 runs at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ian Chappell, a former cricket player from Australia, has stressed the significance of keeping Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant healthy. India is currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, and Chappell has outlined the team’s future goals.

Bumrah was instrumental in India’s victory in the most recent Test match, taking four wickets in the first innings and two more in the second. With series against Australia (five Tests away) and New Zealand (three Tests at home), India has a difficult schedule in the WTC going forward.

Chappell emphasised in his essay for that, although India should try to get additional players into shape, the main priority has to be making sure Bumrah and Pant are fit.

“Getting as many players back into form as possible while averting serious injuries should be India’s top priority. But the priority has to be making sure Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah are fit,” Chappell wrote.

Rishabh Pant has evolved into a skilled gloveman: Ian Chappell

The seasoned player also commended Pant’s development as a wicketkeeper, especially in opposition against spin bowling. He highlighted how much Pant has improved since former head coach Ravi Shastri gave him an ultimatum.

In addition to improving the team’s fielding, a keeper who satisfies these requirements lets slip fielders spread out and cover more ground. Following an ultimatum from Shastri, Pant’s ability to stand up to the stumps considerably improved prior to his major injury. His transformation from a dubious spinner-blocking keeper to a competent gloveman at the stumps demonstrates his commitment, the man continued.

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The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which Australia and India will play for starting on November 22 in Perth, will be a big test for the Indian squad. The series will put the team to the test once more, with five Tests planned at different locations, including a day-night game in Adelaide.