Ian Chappell warns Australia of Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah as visitors chase history Down Under

Everyone is talking about Rishabh Pant since his return to competitive cricket earlier this year. Even as his sixth Test hundred during the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh made headlines for all right reasons, former Australia captain-turned-broadcaster Ian Chappell reckons Pant would continue being a thorn in the flesh for the hosts during the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series.

Ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah is another name Chappell feels will trouble Australia Down Under; however, he pinpointed India’s goal for the marquee series that begins with the first of the five Tests on November 22 in Perth.

"...India's priority will be to get as many players as possible into form without suffering major injuries. However, the most pressing matters are to achieve those aims with Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant," Ian Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.

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Meanwhile, Pant remains Australia’s top target in the series. Having hammered the mighty Aussies the last time with his two timeless knocks—97 in Sydney and 89* at the Gabba in Brisbane, which eventually denied the hosts a series win over India at home for the second time in a row, Pant would fancy playing in the whites against his favourite opposition.

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Impressed with Pant’s ability to deliver and perform following his horrific car crash in December 2022, Chappell said, "Pant's ability to bounce back onto the Test scene is quite remarkable given his horrific car accident. He is a crucial wicketkeeper-batter in the Indian line-up, and he'd give the team a major boost if he's at the peak of his powers for the Australian tour."

Having played in Australia all his life and now looking at things as a cricket analyst, Chappell feels Pant’s wicketkeeping has improved by heaps and bounds, adding that his current technique is suitable for the conditions Down Under.

"If Pant can perform at his best, he's the ideal keeper for Australian conditions. If he's able to continue with his agile performance standing back, that is what is required in Australia. You need a keeper who capably covers a lot of territory to both sides of the wicket."

"Any keeper who fulfils those requirements not only improves the team's fielding but also allows the slip fielders to spread wider to cover extra territory," Chappell continued.

All eyes on Bumrah and returning Shami

While Bumrah has been at the centre of things in Indian cricket since his debut, Mohammed Shami, currently recovering from an ankle injury, is also one of the two bowlers who will dictate terms on the upcoming tour, Chappell feels.

The Australian legend continued saying that Team India would aim to have fit enough Bumrah on board for all five Tests, as he remains crucial for his side’s chances of completing a hat-trick of series win in Australia.

"The good form and fitness of both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj - the two most successful pace bowlers on the last Australian tour - is essential. Of those two, Bumrah is the attack leader."

"A critical part of India's build-up to the Australian tour will be ensuring Bumrah is in form but remains fit to play the bulk of the five Tests,” Chappell continued.

"It would be ideal if the mercurial Mohammed Shami is fit for Australia but the presence of a good left-arm paceman would also improve India's variety in attack,” Chappell said of Shami.

(With inputs from agencies)