India vs Bangladesh: Day 1 - Ashwin and Jadeja's Masterclass

When the going gets tough, Ashwin and Jadeja get going. A first day that seemed to spell disaster for India turned into a resilient comeback, courtesy of two of the most versatile all-rounders in world cricket. This is the story of how Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja powered India to a dominant position on Day 1 of the India vs Bangladesh test match.


India vs Bangladesh: Day 1 - Ashwin and Jadeja's Masterclass


Table of Contents

India’s Struggles at the Top

The day began with hope and expectations, but by the time India was reeling at 34/3, those hopes seemed dashed. Bangladesh, hungry for a big scalp, pounced early with disciplined bowling and razor-sharp fielding. Rohit Sharma (6) and Shubman Gill (0) fell cheaply, leaving India wobbling under pressure. The departure of Virat Kohli for 6 made things worse, as the crowd at Chennai's Chepauk Stadium was left stunned.

India's first fifty came painfully slow. KL Rahul (16 from 52) was another victim of Bangladesh's sustained attack, caught off-guard by Taijul Islam’s delivery. The score of 144/6 by lunch had many predicting an early collapse for India.

Ashwin-Jadeja: The Comeback Kings

Enter Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, the heroes of the day. What followed was a masterclass of Test cricket resilience, grit, and an unshakable partnership. From a position where India struggled to reach 200, the duo carried the team to 339/6 by stumps.

Both players are not strangers to tough situations. With Chennai’s pitch offering low bounce and turn, they showed a mix of defensive technique and opportunistic aggression that threw Bangladesh off their game. The Ashwin-Jadeja partnership for the 7th wicket, worth 195 runs, will go down as one of the most significant in recent Indian cricket history.

While Ashwin took charge of rotating the strike and punishing bad deliveries, Jadeja held his nerve, calmly supporting his partner. As fans in the stands began to chant their names, the momentum of the game shifted dramatically. From 146/6, India’s hopes were revived in dramatic fashion.

Ashwin’s Century: A Historic Milestone

Ravichandran Ashwin is a player who defies conventional cricketing labels. Already a legend with the ball, Ashwin added another feather to his illustrious cap by notching up his 6th Test century. Facing 108 balls, Ashwin brought up his century with grace and aggression, leaving the crowd at Chepauk in awe.

This century was particularly special as it came on his home turf, Chennai, where he has played countless matches for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. The crowd erupted as he raised his bat, acknowledging the applause, which included his parents sitting in the stands. Ashwin’s innings reminded the world why he is one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen.

His Test career statistics are staggering: 500+ wickets, 6 centuries, and 14 half-centuries. Ashwin’s 102 runs came at a strike rate of 91, a fact that not only rescued India but also showcased the evolving role of all-rounders in modern-day Test cricket.

Jadeja's Underrated Brilliance

While Ashwin’s century grabbed headlines, Jadeja’s contribution cannot be overstated. Over the past seven years, Ravindra Jadeja has quietly established himself as India’s most consistent middle-order batsman. His average of 42 in Test matches since 2017 is higher than

On Day 1, Jadeja’s unbeaten knock of 72 (off 140 balls) was a lesson in patience and timing. He provided a perfect foil to Ashwin’s aggression, guiding India past the danger zone and into a position of strength. Jadeja’s ability to play both spin and pace with equal ease makes him one of India’s most valuable assets in home conditions.

The duo’s partnership has now crossed the 6000-run mark in Test cricket, making them one of the most effective all-rounder pairs in history. Together, Ashwin and Jadeja also hold more than 800 wickets in Test cricket—a statistic that makes them unparalleled in world cricket today.

Bangladesh’s Response

For Bangladesh, Day 1 started with a bang but ended in frustration. Having India at 146/6, they could smell victory, but Ashwin and Jadeja’s partnership drained their morale. The bowlers, led by Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam, started well but struggled to find answers as the day wore on.

One crucial aspect Bangladesh will need to address is their inability to keep the pressure on for long spells. While their early breakthroughs were impressive, they lacked the depth and consistency required to finish the job.

Looking Ahead to Day 2

As Day 2 approaches, India sits comfortably at 339/6. Ashwin and Jadeja are still unbeaten and will look to add more runs to India’s tally. The pitch at Chepauk will deteriorate further, which could spell trouble for Bangladesh's batsmen when they come out to bat.

With a psychological edge over Bangladesh, India will rely on its formidable spin attack, spearheaded by Ashwin and Jadeja, to exploit the turning track. Bangladesh will need something extraordinary to pull themselves back into this contest. The onus will be on their batsmen to stand firm against what could be a spin onslaught in the later stages of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many wickets does Ashwin have in Test cricket?

As of this match, Ravichandran Ashwin has taken over 500 wickets in Test cricket, making him one of the most successful bowlers in the format.

2. What is Ravindra Jadeja’s Test batting average?

Ravindra Jadeja has a Test batting average of approximately 42, which is higher than most middle-order players in the Indian team over the last seven years.

3. What was the score of India at the end of Day 1?

India ended Day 1 at 339/6, with Ashwin unbeaten on 102 and Jadeja on 72.

4. Who took the most wickets for Bangladesh on Day 1?

Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam were Bangladesh’s most effective bowlers, taking two wickets each on Day 1.

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