Ashwin, along with Ravindra Jadeja, put together a crucial 195-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rescuing India and preventing an early collapse.
The opening day of Test cricket in Chennai saw a challenging start, with low grey clouds and a soft, damp pitch adding to the difficulty. Virat Kohli fell early, playing an overambitious drive, while Yashasvi Jaiswal played with more caution, selecting his shots carefully. But it was Ravichandran Ashwin who stole the spotlight, guiding India out of trouble with a composed century, much like he would navigate Chennai’s streets, dodging potholes and metro construction with ease, accompanied by the lively beats of “Vaathi Coming.”
Ashwin’s century, his sixth in Test cricket and second at his home ground, came at a crucial time for India. His unbeaten 195-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja reaffirmed India’s dominance with their lower-order resilience, especially in familiar home conditions.
Earlier in the day, Ashwin was seen casually strolling by the boundary during the Lunch interval, seemingly unbothered despite India losing three wickets in the first hour. Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant had begun to steady the ship, but Ashwin was soon called into action alongside his familiar partner, Jadeja, to stage a recovery.
Just a month ago, Ashwin had been showcasing his batting prowess in the TNPL, helping his team win the title with multiple half-centuries. Though often critiqued for tinkering too much with his batting technique, the opening day of this Test needed no reinvention. Ashwin trusted his instincts, playing with simplicity and intent, allowing him to manage the difficult phases and shine with his natural ability.
In the short period before Tea, Ashwin quickly raced to 21 off 19 balls, playing crisp shots through the covers. While Kohli struggled against the swinging ball, Ashwin capitalized on the older ball, choosing to play on the rise. His aggression paid off as he settled into his innings. Even a lucky edge off Hasan Mahmud didn’t faze him, as he followed up with a stylish drive on the next delivery.
Ashwin and Jadeja efforts for Team India
Ashwin’s counterattack forced Bangladesh to spread the field, allowing easy singles and further frustrating their bowlers. In the final session, Ashwin and Jadeja kept up the pressure on Bangladesh’s spinners, particularly Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan. Ashwin slog-swept Shakib’s first delivery for a six, disrupting the spinner’s control. Mehidy too was taken apart, with Ashwin charging down the pitch to hit another six. The spinners’ combined 29 overs conceded 127 runs at nearly 4.5 runs per over, forcing Bangladesh to bring back their seamers prematurely, who in turn, lost their rhythm.
Ashwin and Jadeja displayed remarkable composure. Ashwin, the more aggressive of the two, thrived amid the home crowd’s roaring support. Jadeja, solid and methodical, played the perfect foil at the other end, allowing Ashwin to steer India into a commanding position.
As Ashwin neared his century, the crowd erupted in cheers, though there was a bittersweet feeling. At 38, Ashwin’s remarkable performance might mark one of his last in Chennai, hinting at the possibility that this Test could carry a more valedictory tone in the coming days. But for now, Ashwin has once again driven India to a position of strength, reminding everyone of his brilliance.
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