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In the opening Test between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the Indian batting lineup faced a challenging start on Day 1. Bangladesh, having won the toss and opting to bowl, took full advantage of the overcast conditions. Pacer Hasan Mahmud stunned the Indian top order with a lethal spell, removing Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 34/3 within the first 10 overs.
Mahmud’s first breakthrough came in the sixth over, where he dismissed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for just 6 runs. A perfect delivery found the edge of Rohit’s bat, with the catch being safely taken by Najmul Hossain Shanto at second slip. Shubman Gill, who has struggled for form recently, fell for a duck after an eight-ball stay, edging one down the leg side to Liton Das behind the stumps.
The most significant wicket of the morning came when Virat Kohli, India’s reliable middle-order batter, nicked an outswinger to the wicketkeeper for just 6 runs. Hasan Mahmud’s excellent control and movement had reduced India to a precarious 34/3, with their top order back in the pavilion.
However, India’s fightback began with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant. Jaiswal, known for his aggressive stroke play, showcased maturity by holding his nerve against the Bangladesh pace attack. He combined solid defense with calculated aggression, making full use of the loose deliveries to stabilize the innings. His intent was clear as he picked gaps, particularly against spin, and kept the scoreboard ticking.
At the other end, Pant, playing his first Test since 2022, adopted a cautious approach early on but soon shifted gears, unleashing his attacking style as the session progressed. A notable moment came when he survived a close call off Taskin Ahmed’s delivery, narrowly avoiding being caught at slip. This momentary scare didn’t deter Pant, who, alongside Jaiswal, began to rebuild the innings.
Together, Jaiswal and Pant stitched a crucial 54-run partnership for the fourth wicket, helping India recover to 88/3 by lunch. The introduction of spin in the 19th over, led by Mehedi Hasan Miraz, provided some relief to the Indian batters, who had struggled against the moving ball in the early stages. Pant’s confidence grew, taking on the bowlers with his signature aggressive shots, while Jaiswal remained steadfast, capitalizing on the spinner’s defensive lines.
Despite Bangladesh’s early dominance, the partnership between Jaiswal and Pant was key in steadying the Indian innings and ensuring that the hosts didn’t crumble further. Jaiswal’s composed yet aggressive innings, combined with Pant’s attacking flair, allowed India to regain some control, setting up a platform for a potential recovery in the later sessions.
As the game progressed, Bangladesh continued to search for breakthroughs, but it was clear that India’s middle order was intent on digging in. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 37, while Pant reached 33 by lunch, both determined to convert this recovery into a solid platform for the team. The partnership highlighted the importance of adaptability in Test cricket, with both batters showing how to counter a potent bowling attack.
India’s recovery is crucial not just for the ongoing match but also for the morale of the team, especially after the early blows from Bangladesh’s pace trio, led by Hasan Mahmud. While Bangladesh’s bowlers will aim to regain momentum, India’s middle order, led by these two young left-handers, seems well-prepared to guide the innings forward. The next session promises to be critical as the pitch starts to favor spin, and both teams will look to capitalize on any small advantage.
As the day unfolds, cricket fans can expect an intense contest, with India fighting back to set a competitive total, and Bangladesh eager to continue their impressive start by dismantling the Indian middle order.