Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 17 (ANI): As India embarks on an intensive Test cricket schedule, starting with a series against Bangladesh this Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, captain Rohit Sharma has assured that comprehensive plans are in place to manage the workload of their fast bowlers. This meticulous planning becomes crucial given the demanding sequence of matches ahead.

India’s schedule includes 10 Tests over the next 15 weeks, with the first match against Bangladesh kicking off on Thursday. Key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to endure significant physical strain, particularly during the series in Australia from November to January.

Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of monitoring the workload of the bowlers closely. “We’ve established specific strategies to manage our pacers’ workload. The decisions will depend on how much they exert themselves during each game. We’ve successfully implemented such measures before, like when we managed to give Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj a break each during the home series against England earlier this year,” he stated during a pre-series press conference.

Following the two-Test series against Bangladesh, which concludes on October 1, India will host New Zealand for a three-Test series running until early November. This will be followed by a grueling five-Test tour in Australia over eight weeks.

“So, it really depends on how their bodies react at any given moment, and we will rely on feedback from our strength and conditioning team and physios to decide the right time for them to rest,” Rohit elaborated.

This series also marks the beginning of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s Test tenure with the team. Gambhir had a challenging start as head coach in ODIs, with India losing a series 2-0 to Sri Lanka. Before the Tests against Bangladesh, Gambhir, his assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, and the Indian squad are participating in an intensive training camp in Chennai. This camp also features bowling coach Morne Morkel, who is linking up with the team for the first time.

Rohit expressed his confidence in the new coaching staff. “Although the coaching staff is new, I have a good rapport with both Gautam Gambhir and Abhishek Nayar. I have faced Morne Morkel in several intense cricket matches. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and I have crossed paths a couple of times, and he has quickly adapted to understanding team dynamics,” Rohit noted.

“Every coach has a unique style. Previously, Rahul Dravid, Vikram Rathour, and Paras Mhambrey had their approach. Similarly, Gambhir and Nayar will bring their distinctive methods. Adjusting to these new styles is crucial, but so far, everything has been smooth,” he added.

After wrapping up their home Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand, India will shift focus to the highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Rohit dismissed the idea that the series against Bangladesh is merely a warm-up for future overseas challenges. “Every game is vital because of what’s at stake in the World Test Championship. The table is still open, and we aim to win every match regardless of where we play. There’s no concept of a dress rehearsal here; every game matters,” Rohit emphasized.

Since assembling on September 12, the team has had productive training sessions, focusing on getting everything in order. “The experienced players manage themselves well. Those who haven’t played much Test cricket recently participated in the Duleep Trophy, which was beneficial,” Rohit added.

India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh includes: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal. (ANI)