Wicketkeeper-batter Pant announced his return to Test cricket with a century, while pace spearhead Bumrah was at his usual best with the ball in the recently concluded match against Bangladesh in Chennai. While Pant and Bumrah made contributions, it was Chennai's own Ravichandran Ashwin, who showcased all-round brilliance as Rohit Sharma-led India clinched a massive 280-run win over Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday (September 22). Currently, India leads the World Test Championship standings and are well-placed to seal their third successive WTC Final spot. Their upcoming WTC series include New Zealand (three Tests at home), and Australia (five Tests away). With still a fair bit of red ball action left before the WTC Final next year at Lord's, Chappell has highlighted the importance of Pant and Bumrah in the Test arena for India. "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 in his column for ESPNcricinfo. The former Australian cricketer also said a good wicketkeeper enchances the team's fielding, adding that Pant's evolution from a questionable keeper against spinners to a skilled gloveman showed his dedication. "A keeper who meets these demands not only enhances the team's fielding but also allows slip fielders to spread wider and cover more ground," he added. "Before his serious injury, Pant's ability to stand up to the stumps significantly improved after an ultimatum from Shastri. His evolution from a questionable keeper against spinners to a skilled gloveman at the stumps shows his dedication." While India's spinners have dominated the home Tests, Chappell feels the pace attack, which has stepped up in recent years will be key to their performance in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled to be held from November 2024 to January 2025. "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 said. As part of their WTC schedule, India will face Bangladesh in the second Test from September 27 followed by a series against New Zealand at before they travel Down Under to take on Australia in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The most awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium's lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18. The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage. The fifth and final Test, to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest.