India dominated Bangladesh in the Kanpur Test. You always expect India to win at home, especially in test matches. The decade long record standing tall and unbreached. But the way India dismantled their Neighbours in the mere 156 overs was just an arrogant and bullish statement made by the Men in Blue. Even the weather could not stop them. It was a ruthless display, like a crime lord making an example of anyone who dares to challenge them—sending a loud, clear message: “This is our territory, no one stands a chance, and we settle things fast.”
On Day 4, India bundled out Bangladesh for just 233 runs in 74.2 overs. Initially, it seemed the match was headed for a dull draw, with rain disrupting the eagerly anticipated return of Test cricket to Kanpur. However, the Indian team had other plans. The captain walked out to bat after lunch, joined by young prodigy Yashasvi, who has taken to Test cricket like a fish to water. What followed was sheer destruction. India raced to 50 in the blink of an eye, making their intentions crystal clear—they were going for a win.
Breaking records left and right, India surged to 285 runs in just 34.4 overs, setting Bangladesh up to bat again the same day with a 52-run lead. They established new records for the fastest team scores of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 in Test cricket history—all achieved in a single day: 50 in just 18 balls, 100 in 61 balls, 150 in 110 balls, 200 in 146 balls, and 250 in 181 balls. For the visitors, it was a bewildering experience to step back onto the field on the same day they had been bowled out, now trailing by 52 runs.
Yet, India still needed to bowl brilliantly on a pitch that had allowed them to glide to 285 runs. But these Indian bowlers are too shrewd to let the surface dictate the match’s outcome. Ashwin, with the new ball in hand, claimed two late wickets on Day 4, giving India a glimmer of hope and an advantage going into the final day.
These Indian bowlers are relentless, always applying pressure and forcing opponents into mistakes. While one could criticize the Bangladeshi batters for playing reckless shots, the truth is the Indian bowlers suffocate their opponents, leaving them little choice but to take risks. Bangladesh lost an early wicket in Mominul Haque, but skipper Shanto and Zakir Khan looked solid. It seemed they might help Bangladesh bat through to lunch or even beyond. But the skipper’s ill-timed reverse sweep off Jadeja opened the floodgates. From 91-4, they crumbled to 147 all out before lunch.
India then chased down the target of 95 runs in just 17.2 overs, with seven wickets in hand. Jaiswal scored fifties in both innings, while Virat Kohli remained not out, providing a fitting conclusion for a crowd that had endured three days of rain-induced frustration. It was complete annihilation from Team India—powerful and brutal.
What Makes This Indian Team Special?
While one could argue that this was possible due to the new looking Indian side under Rohit Sharma. Of course, it’s amazing when the captain walks the talk, but with the kind of pedigree this Indian batting line-up has, there was no doubt that this Indian side will push for a victory. Because they had nothing to lose. With someone like Gill and Jaiswal in the batting order, it’s just too much of quality and firepower in the team. This is more of a culture thing.
The transition began under Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri, and now we can confidently say it’s fully realized. They have fostered a culture of ruthlessness and professionalism, where every opportunity is seized, and dominance is asserted. Under Rohit Sharma, the team has embraced a fearless mantra and taken it a step further. Newcomers like Akash Deep and Dhruv Jurel have seamlessly integrated into the squad, thanks to a robust domestic setup. These young players, coming from a T20 background, know no fear. The bowlers are relentless, consistently maintaining their lines and lengths, while fielding standards have risen dramatically. Jaiswal shines as a top gully fielder, Gill excels in slips and the outfield, and even Siraj and Bumrah have made significant improvements in their fielding.
Professionalism is evident across all departments, leaving opponents with nowhere to hide. India continually uncovers new stars to complement the seasoned players, and every team member has embraced a leadership role, fully aware of their responsibilities and eager to contribute.
Contrast this with 2011, when India settled for a draw needing 86 runs in 15 overs with seven wickets in hand. Back then, opposition batters often frustrated India with lengthy innings and massive scores, leading to meek surrender. Now, 13 years later, it’s heartening to see India not only dominate the format but also become seemingly invincible—like a predator always hungry for more.
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