Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a batting masterclass on Day 1 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. His unbeaten century rescued India from a precarious situation after a top-order collapse and helped them finish at a commanding 339/6 at stumps.
Ashwin, coming in to bat at No. 8, displayed remarkable composure, scoring 102* off just 112 deliveries. His knock, punctuated with elegant stroke play and calculated risks, turned the tide in India’s favor. The all-rounder’s partnership with Ravindra Jadeja was the highlight of the day, as the duo added 195 runs for the seventh wicket. Jadeja, ever reliable, contributed with a steady 74* to support Ashwin’s efforts.
Early Woes for India
The day started with India winning the toss and opting to bat first, but the decision seemed questionable after early trouble. The hosts were reduced to 144/6 by the Bangladesh bowlers, with key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal (35), KL Rahul (5), and Virat Kohli (23) failing to capitalize on decent starts. Bangladesh’s pace attack, led by Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, exploited the conditions well, and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz also chipped in with key wickets.
It was Ashwin’s arrival at the crease that turned the tide for India. His early strokes were filled with intent, and he soon found his rhythm, particularly excelling against the spinners. His approach was aggressive yet measured, taking on the Bangladeshi bowlers with precise footwork and clinical shot selection.
Ashwin Compared to VVS Laxman
Former India opener Aakash Chopra heaped praise on Ashwin’s knock, comparing his leg-side play to that of Indian batting legend VVS Laxman. “He (Ashwin) waits for the ball to reach him and plays beautiful backfoot shots, especially on the leg side, reminding me of VVS Laxman,” Chopra said during a post-day analysis.
Chopra further lauded Ashwin’s ability to handle pressure in tough situations, emphasizing how the seasoned all-rounder stepped up when India needed him most. “Ashwin’s century has shifted the balance of the game. If it wasn’t for his knock, India could have been bowled out for a much lower total,” Chopra added.
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Ashwin-Jadeja Partnership Dominates
While Ashwin’s heroics with the bat took center stage, Jadeja’s composed innings was equally crucial. Playing second fiddle to Ashwin, Jadeja held one end, playing the role of an anchor while also rotating the strike regularly. His unbeaten 74* ensured that India consolidated their position after the early setbacks.
The Bangladesh bowlers struggled to contain the duo after the initial success. Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, who had earlier caused trouble with their sharp bowling, could not break the Ashwin-Jadeja stand. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had claimed two important wickets, was also unable to stop the Indian counterattack.
Ashwin’s Milestone and India’s Strong Finish
Ashwin reached his century with a boundary, earning a standing ovation from the Chennai crowd. This was his sixth century in Test cricket, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best all-rounders in the modern game. His century came off just 112 balls, showcasing his ability to shift gears as needed.
By the end of Day 1, India had recovered admirably from their early troubles and put themselves in a strong position to dictate terms in the match. With Jadeja still at the crease and Ashwin continuing to dominate, India will look to build on this platform and aim for a significant first-innings total.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Effort
Despite the heroic partnership from Ashwin and Jadeja, Bangladesh’s bowlers had a promising start to the day. Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam delivered fiery spells in the morning, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s spin added to India’s top-order woes. However, as the day wore on and the pitch eased up, their efforts were thwarted by the Indian all-rounders.
Bangladesh will need to regroup and find a way to break the Ashwin-Jadeja stand early on Day 2 if they are to stay competitive in this Test.
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