India have 1-0 up in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh with a crushing 280-run win in Chennai. Here are five things we learnt from the match.
Rishabh Pant completes comeback arc in style
Having made a successful return to international cricket with a T20 World Cup title, Pant’s greatest Test was to be match ready for his strongest suit, Test cricket. India were reeling at 34-3 when Pant came out to bat in the first innings and was looking good for his 52-ball 39 before being dismissed.
In the second innings, however, the free-flowing Pant we all know was in the show. A 128-ball 109, comprising his usual nonchalant strokeplay, helped him equal MS Dhoni’s record for most centuries (6) by an Indian wicketkeeper. He was equally adept behind the wickets, showing no signs of discomfort. He is well and truly back.
Well begun is half done: Bangladesh learn it the hard way
Bangladesh had India by the scruff of the neck after bowling first on an anomalous pace-assisting Chepauk surface. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud breathed fire, reducing the hosts to 144-6 with his four strikes. Just when it seemed like India were on the verge of being skittled out, Ravindra Jadeja (86) and R Ashwin (113) emerged as a thorn in their flesh. The duo put on a record 199-stand, pushing Bangladesh on the back foot.
Later, Mahmud completed his five-wicket haul, becoming the first Bangladesh bowler to do so in a Test match in India. However, it was too late, as India racked up 376.
Has Gill finally cracked the consistency code?
It's an open secret India look at Gill as their all-format superstar. However, in his admission, Gill said he is yet to “meet expectations” in the format. The No.3 batter didn’t have the likeliest of starts in the Test match after getting strangled down the leg side for an eight-ball duck.
In the second innings, he was quick to turn things around with a 176-ball 119 not out. Gill has now scored three centuries in his last five Tests, including a 91 and an unbeaten 52 in the preceding series against England. One can expect his career to move upwards from here on.
India consolidate position at the top after a dominating win in Chennai.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 22, 2024
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At 38, R Ashwin is still evolving and getting better
A master tactician, Ashwin is always a step ahead in outsmarting his opponents. While his wily off-spin has been one of the reasons for India’s long-standing undefeated home record, one facet of his skills that at times goes under the radar is his batting.
Ashwin seemed to have carried his batting form from the Tamil Nadu Premier League. Coming in at 144-6 in the first innings, he took the attack to the opposition with a 133-ball 113. He struck 11 fours and two sixes in the process.
His mantra during the blazing knock was to cash in on any width and go hard at the opponents. “On a surface like this, it's better to go hard like Rishabh does. It's an old-school Chennai surface with bounce and carry. When there is width, you can give it a tonk. I love playing when there is bounce and carry. I enjoyed myself today," Ashwin said after his century on day one.
After India seamers dominated the proceedings in the second innings, the familiar sight of the veteran off-spinner rattling batters unfolded in the fourth. He picked up 6-88, his 37th Test five-for and is now only behind Muthiah Muralidaran, who has 67 five-wicket hauls.
It could be a long home season for Virat Kohli
After missing the England series for personal reasons, Kohli’s comeback was eventful, but not in a good way. In the first innings, his prolonged weakness outside the off stump was the reason for his downfall as he nicked off against Mahmud for a run-a-ball six. He was pinned lbw by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the second for a 37-ball 17 and refused to take a review that would have eventually saved him.
Having fallen behind the rest of the Fab Four, Kohli would be eying to reinstate his status in the lofty group. However, his dip in form is a major worry. With another Test to be played, followed by a series against New Zealand at home, the mercurial batter would be hoping to make the most of the opportunities and get some runs under his belt before flying Down Under for the high-voltage Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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