'Ravi Ashwin is shaping up well' - Jasprit Bumrah throws light on spinner's fitness ahead of Mohali Test

After scripting a stunning whitewash in the T20Is, India is all set to host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, commencing March 4 in Mohali. The Indian contingent will be led by the new skipper in the format, Rohit Sharma and his deputy Jasprit Bumrah opened up on several aspects ahead of the game. Bumrah mostly threw light on senior spinner Ravi Ashwin’s fitness who has been on side-lines for a few months.

It is to be noted that Ashwin last played the series against South Africa and then missed the white-ball series against West Indies and Sri Lanka. However, the Indian pacer seemed positive about his senior teammate’s fitness and added that the spinner is shaping up well.

“The test team had already come before and they were practicing, he (Ashwin) is shaping up well and I don’t know, I am not aware that there are any complaints. He (Ashwin) looked good, he looked very comfortable in training today,” said Bumrah while speaking on Ashwin’s fitness in a virtual press conference ahead of the first Test.

Ravi Ashwin plays a very important role whenever we play: Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah also added that Ashwin was taking up all the activities well in the practice sessions ahead of the game. It remains to be seen if Ashwin would be among the first choice of XI players going into the Mohali Test. Later in the press conference, the Gujarat pacer opened up several aspects of the game but chose to remain tight-lipped on the team selection.

“He was bowling, batting, fielding, he did everything, so I think he is shaping up really well. He plays a very important role whenever we play, so his role will be important and hopefully, there would (will) be no troubles going forward,” he added.

The first Test against Sri Lanka would be special for India due to several reasons. The first one of Rohit Sharma leading the side for the first time in whites while Virat Kohli would be playing his milestone 100^th Test.