Ian Chappell reckons India will receive a major boost to its chances of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia this winter if Hardik Pandya is fit and available to take part in the four-Test rubber.
The former Aussie skipper talked up the importance of a fast-bowling all-rounder in conditions down under, as someone like Hardik can help captain Virat Kohli better rotate his main quick men in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
Hardik, however, hasn't played any Test match since first going down with a back injury in late 2018. The 26-year-old had surgery for the same in October last year and had only just recovered before the COVID-19 pandemic enforced a global sporting shutdown.
"It will help if Hardik Pandya is available. He gives India an extra bowling option to maintain the pressure when the leading fast bowlers need a rest," Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.
"This is Pandya's chance to gradually build up overs in the three Tests before the SCG match, where he could act as the third seamer so that a second spinner can be included."
"Having Pandya at seven would necessitate Rishabh Pant keeping and batting at six," he added.
Chappell thinks Indian selectors have a good selection headache when it comes to opting for a first-choice spinner among Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
"Choosing a spinner will prove a major headache for the Indian selectors. R Ashwin has a great overall record, but not so much in Australia."
"Ravindra Jadeja's all-round talents and improved bowling form make him a legitimate challenger, while Kuldeep Yadav's wrist-spin is the biggest wicket-taking threat on Australian pitches. The decision will call for brave selections."
With the returns of David Warner, Steve Smith following ball-tampering bans and the rise of Marnus Labuschagne have added more meat to Australia's batting, which will make the task of India's bowlers tougher from the last trip when Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami helped the team pull off a historic 2-1 series win.
"India's biggest challenge will be navigating a strong Australian batting line-up. In addition to Smith and Warner, the meteoric rise of Marnus Labuschagne at No 3 has helped solidify the batting," Chappell wrote. "Australia are now far less reliant for success on big contributions from Smith and Warner."
Further from Australia's perspective, Chappell believes "the pace bowling is in great shape, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and James Pattinson forming a potent quartet. The spinner is a simple decision – Nathan Lyon and then daylight."
"The batting line-up is not as clear cut. The recently announced contract list suggests Joe Burns will be Warner's opening partner. Burns is vulnerable early and this is India's big opportunity to first get at Labuschagne and then Smith while the ball is new."
"Australia's middle order is an uncertain quantity, with Travis Head, Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh vying for two spots. That middle-order fragility highlights the rewards on offer for keeping Smith, Warner and Labuschagne in check," he added.
(Inputs from PTI)
