Since his comeback from injury last August, Jasprit Bumrah has been massive in terms of Team India’s success across formats. The pace spearhead’s capabilities aside, he was also well managed by the Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff with proper breaks, negating the threat of burnout as Bumrah was fully fit going into key assignments.

The coaching staff, to be headed by India’s newly-appointed coach Gautam Gambhir, would do well to carry on with this pattern so that Bumrah is at his 100 per cent going into the crucial Australia tour later this year, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, feels former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey.

“The value that Jassi brings to the team in all three formats just shows the kind of impact he has. So, it’s important he’s handled well and taken good care of. In fact, that’s what we did in the England series (at home earlier this year),” Mhambrey told The Telegraph from Mumbai on Thursday.

“We had to give him a break during that long series, either in the third or fourth Test. We had a chat with him and we said the value of the third Test was very important. And the best part was, he agreed to play that game (in Rajkot) and took a break in the next (in Ranchi).

“These guys play a lot of cricket, so especially with Jassi, you’ve got to be smart enough to handle him because he’s one of the very few bowlers who look forward to playing Test cricket. Going forward, there are a lot of Tests to be played alongside securing points for the World Test Championship, and the biggest challenge is in Australia, where you need Jassi at his prime,” Mhambrey emphasised.

Almost as important as Bumrah is Mohammed Shami to the Indian bowling attack. The conversations that Gambhir and Co. need to have with the 33-year-old, once he’s back after recovering from the ankle injury, will be crucial for the senior quick, Mhambrey stated.

“We all know what Shami brings to the table. The staff should talk to him and find out what he wants to do. He’s no longer young, so where does he fit in and how many more years does he look to play? How do we use him smartly?

“I’m sure whoever comes with Gauti will find out how to get the best of Shami. If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia.

“However, what Shami wants and what his body says is paramount. But yes, some cricket is needed before the Australia tour as he has had a long break,” Mhambrey explained.

Also, priority needs to be given to a fast bowler’s skills instead of his fitness level or how he fares at the Yo-Yo tests that had almost become an “obsession” with the Indian team not too many years ago. “The primary role of a bowler is to take wickets. If you aren’t skilful, you won’t be in the team. Simple.

“Individual fitness varies and can’t be of the same level. So, the players have to be treated differently. You can’t compare a Shami with some youngster who has just come in. You have to understand what the value of Shami is. Do you need Shami to do the Yo-Yo or bowl those many balls in a Test and win India the game?” Mhambrey said.