'He is shaping up well' - Jasprit Bumrah provides update on Ravi Ashwin's fitness status

India vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah has provided an update on veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s availability for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. According to the pacer, the veteran off-spinner is shaping up well and looked comfortable during the training.

Team India will be taking on Sri Lanka in the first Test match, which is to be played in Mohali starting from March 4. Ashwin who has been recovering from an unspecified injury missed the recent white-ball series against West Indies at home. The senior player also missed the recently concluded three-match T20I contest against Sri Lanka.

Ravi Ashwin is shaping well: Jasprit Bumrah

Addressing a virtual press conference ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, Bumrah said, “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. He was bowling, batting, fielding, he did everything, so I think he is shaping up really well.”

Understanding the important role Ashwin plays in the Indian Test team set-up, Bumrah said, “He plays a very important role whenever we play, so his role will be important and hopefully there would be no troubles going forward.”

Ashwin has represented India in 84 matches Test matches has taken 430 wickets at a strike rate of 52.73. The bowler will play a vital role in team India success in the upcoming two-match Test series against. Bumrah who has been appointed as vice-captain for the Indian team emphasized on the fact that his endeavour is to help skipper Rohit Sharma in whatever way he can.

“I will try to give my best in whatever capacity I can. But for me, I don’t think any position should matter or a bowler or a batter makes a difference, it depends on how you handle the situation and how tactically strong you are, ” the vice-captain added.