India’s emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the first Test match showcased their resilience and class, especially through the performances of their spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. After a shaky start on Day 1, India bounced back to not only gain control but also stamp their authority on the game, securing a commanding win. The two spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, played pivotal roles, both with the ball and the bat, as they helped India overturn a difficult situation and dominate the match.
India’s Struggles on Day 1: A Test of Character
The first day of the Test match did not begin as India would have hoped. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the visitors were immediately put under pressure by Bangladesh’s bowlers. The pitch offered variable bounce, and Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, exploited the conditions well. India found themselves reduced to 144 for 6, with top-order batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Virat Kohli failing to convert their starts into significant scores.
At this crucial juncture, India’s lower-middle order needed to step up. With the team in trouble, it was the spin all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja who took up the challenge, forging a brilliant 199-run partnership for the seventh wicket. This partnership not only saved India from a collapse but also shifted the momentum entirely in their favor.
Ashwin, known for his cricketing acumen and ability to deliver in challenging situations, led the charge with a composed yet aggressive knock. His stroke play, combined with Jadeja’s typical resilience, slowly wore down Bangladesh’s bowling attack. The duo’s contributions with the bat were vital, ensuring that India posted a respectable total of 343 in their first innings, giving them a solid platform to build upon.
Bangladesh’s Response: Bumrah Leads India’s Attack
In response, Bangladesh began their first innings under considerable pressure, knowing they had to match India’s total to stay competitive. However, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead, was in no mood to let the hosts settle. Bumrah’s menacing pace and control were too much for the Bangladeshi top order, and India’s bowling attack quickly took control of the match. Bumrah struck early, dismissing both of Bangladesh’s openers with lethal deliveries.
Mohammed Siraj, complementing Bumrah with his ability to swing the ball both ways, also kept the Bangladesh batsmen in check. The pace attack proved too hot to handle for Bangladesh, who crumbled under India’s pressure. The hosts were eventually bundled out for just 149 runs in one and a half sessions on Day 2, giving India a comfortable first-innings lead of 194 runs.
With a significant lead, India chose not to enforce the follow-on, a decision that allowed their batsmen another opportunity to pile on the runs and further bat Bangladesh out of the game.
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant: India Consolidates on Day 3
On Day 3, India’s second innings was defined by a superb partnership between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, who combined to take the game completely out of Bangladesh’s reach. Both players exhibited contrasting styles but with equal effectiveness.
Pant, known for his aggressive, counter-attacking play, was particularly brilliant. He brought up his century off just 124 balls, lacing his innings with 13 boundaries and four sixes. His aggressive approach left the Bangladesh bowlers with little room to breathe, as he consistently took them apart with his stroke-making.
At the other end, Gill was more measured but no less effective. He displayed patience and class, carefully building his innings and playing some exquisite shots along the way. His ability to rotate the strike and punish bad deliveries was a hallmark of his innings. Gill’s fifth Test hundred, coming off 161 balls, further solidified India’s position in the match. He remained unbeaten, showing great composure and maturity.
The partnership between Gill and Pant, worth 167 runs for the fourth wicket, pushed India into an impregnable position. By the end of Day 3, India had firmly taken control of the match, with a massive lead and plenty of runs on the board.
Ashwin and Jadeja Spin India to Victory on Day 4
Day 4 began with Bangladesh needing an improbable 420 runs to win. Their overnight batters, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan, provided some resistance in the opening session. Both batsmen showed great application in their approach, surviving the early bursts from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. However, the introduction of spin after the drinks break completely changed the complexion of the game.
As soon as Ravichandran Ashwin was brought into the attack, the momentum shifted once again in India’s favor. Ashwin, who had gone wicketless in the first innings, made up for it with a sensational bowling display. His guile and control were on full display as he ripped through the Bangladesh batting order. His variations, combined with his ability to extract sharp turn from the pitch, proved too much for Bangladesh’s batsmen.
Ashwin quickly picked up his 37th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with incredible figures of 6 for 88 in the second innings. His mastery over spin bowling was once again evident as he dismissed key batsmen like Shakib and Liton Das, effectively ending Bangladesh’s hopes of salvaging anything from the match.
At the other end, Ravindra Jadeja provided perfect support, claiming 3 wickets for 58 runs. Jadeja’s relentless accuracy and sharp turn kept the Bangladesh batsmen under constant pressure. His efforts in the second innings not only helped India secure a swift victory but also pushed his overall Test wicket tally to 299, just one shy of a major milestone in his career.
Bangladesh’s resistance was brief, with only Najmul Hossain Shanto standing out with a fighting knock of 82. Despite Shanto’s resilience, Bangladesh’s batting line-up couldn’t withstand the combined brilliance of Ashwin and Jadeja, as they were eventually bowled out for 231, handing India a comprehensive victory by 188 runs.
A Look Ahead: India’s Momentum and the Upcoming Test in Kanpur
India’s win in the first Test against Bangladesh has set the tone for the remainder of the series. Their ability to bounce back from difficult situations—first with the bat and then with the ball—demonstrates the depth and strength of this Indian side. The standout performances of players like Ashwin, Jadeja, Bumrah, Gill, and Pant reflect a team that can adapt to any conditions and deliver in crunch situations.
The second Test, which is scheduled to begin on September 27 in Kanpur, will be crucial for both sides. India will be looking to continue their dominant run and seal the series, while Bangladesh will need to regroup quickly if they are to put up a fight.
For India, the form of Ashwin and Jadeja will be key, especially on the turning tracks expected in Kanpur. Ashwin’s remarkable performance in the second innings of the first Test is a reminder of his status as one of the greatest spin bowlers in modern cricket. Jadeja, too, will be eyeing his 300th Test wicket, which would be a monumental achievement for the all-rounder and further solidify his place among the all-time greats of Indian cricket.
The Kanpur Test will also provide an opportunity for players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant to build on their superb performances and continue contributing to the team’s success. Both have shown the ability to score runs under pressure, and their confidence will be high after their brilliant knocks in the first Test.
Conclusion
India’s win in the first Test against Bangladesh was a comprehensive display of skill, resilience, and dominance. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja once again proved why they are two of the most valuable players in India’s Test setup, excelling with both bat and ball to lead India to a memorable victory.
The partnership between Ashwin and Jadeja on Day 1 was crucial in rescuing India from a precarious position, while their bowling partnership on Day 4 completely dismantled Bangladesh’s batting line-up. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj also played pivotal roles in setting up the game, while the contributions of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant with the bat ensured that India had more than enough runs to defend.
As India heads to Kanpur for the second and final Test of the series, the team will be full of confidence, knowing that they have the players and the form to secure a series win. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to find answers quickly if they hope to challenge India in the upcoming match.
