• India piled on 163 runs in the last session without losing a single wicket, ending Day 1 with 339/6 on the board.

  • The duo’s unbroken 195-run partnership not only saved India from a precarious situation but also put them in a commanding position heading into Day 2.

Fans react as Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja lead India’s recovery on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh
Ashwin, Jadeja leads India's fightback on Day 1 of Chennai Test (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

The highly anticipated first Test between India and Bangladesh began at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, with Bangladesh opting to bowl on an overcast morning. The pitch, offering considerable assistance to seam bowlers, allowed Hasan Mahmud to wreak havoc on India’s top order. In the very first hour, Mahmud dismissed captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, leaving India reeling at 34/3.

India’s opening partnership couldn’t withstand Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling, and it seemed that a batting collapse was on the cards. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant managed to stabilize the innings temporarily, putting together a valuable fifty-run stand before Mahmud returned to dismiss Pant, further compounding India’s woes.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s grit and KL Rahul’s struggles

Jaiswal, India’s young sensation, showed immense patience and maturity, negotiating the testing conditions to register a well-earned half-century. His composed knock appeared to guide India into safer waters until Nahid Rana, introduced into the attack, worked him over, bringing an end to his 52-run effort.

In the very next over, KL Rahul fell cheaply, and India were staring down the barrel at 144/6. Bangladesh’s bowlers looked in total control, exploiting the conditions perfectly.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to the rescue

The situation called for a monumental partnership, and India’s spin twins, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, answered the call. Ashwin, playing at his home ground, wasted no time in counter-attacking the Bangladesh bowlers. His crisp stroke play, combined with Jadeja’s calm and assured presence at the crease, turned the tide in India’s favor.

Ashwin reached his second Test century at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, his sixth overall in Test cricket, much to the delight of the Chennai crowd. Jadeja, on the other hand, quietly accumulated runs, closing in on a century of his own.

Also WATCH: IND vs BAN – Rishabh Pant and Litton Das engage in a fierce verbal exchange on Day 1 of the first Test

The turning point: Unbeaten 195-run stand

By the end of the afternoon session, Bangladesh had claimed 3 wickets while conceding 88 runs, but the real drama unfolded in the final session. Ashwin and Jadeja took full control, dominating the bowling attack as the partnership blossomed. With Bangladesh unable to apply pressure, India piled on 163 runs in the last session without losing a single wicket, ending Day 1 with 339/6 in 80 overs.

Ashwin remained unbeaten on 102, while Jadeja closed the day on a well-crafted 86. The duo’s unbroken 195-run partnership not only saved India from a precarious situation but also put them in a commanding position heading into Day 2.

Fans applaud Ashwin’s heroics

Fans and pundits alike were quick to praise Ashwin’s remarkable knock at his home ground. Social media was abuzz with reactions, hailing the off-spinner’s contribution in leading India’s recovery. With two set batters at the crease and a decent total on the board, India will look to capitalize on the momentum as they aim for a substantial first-innings score on Day 2.

Here is how fans reacted:

https://x.com/IrfanPathan/status/1836717457886613540

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli’s struggle outside off-stump leads to his dismissal on Day 1 of the first Test

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AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.