India fought back from a shaky start to reach 339-6 at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, thanks to a counter-attacking century by Ravichandran Ashwin.
Despite Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud’s four-wicket haul, India’s lower order pushed the hosts to a commanding position by the end of the day.
Bangladesh’s decision to field first in overcast conditions paid off as Hasan Mahmud ripped through India's top order early in the day. Hasan, fresh off a 2-0 sweep in Pakistan, justified skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto's decision to bowl, leaving India reeling at 34-3 in the first hour. Hasan dismissed key players, including captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who both managed only six runs, sending a shock through the home crowd.
Shubman Gill, playing his first Test since becoming a father, lasted just eight deliveries before being caught behind for a duck. India’s batting woes continued after lunch, with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who was making his Test comeback after a serious car accident in 2022, falling cheaply.
**Ashwin and Jadeja Lead India’s Recovery**
With India at a precarious 144-6, Ashwin (102*) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*) took charge, building an unbeaten partnership of 195 runs that steadied the innings. Chennai-born Ashwin, playing in front of his home crowd, reached his sixth Test century in style, hitting 12 boundaries and taking just 108 balls to get there.
The pair frustrated Bangladesh's bowlers, bringing India to a commanding position by the end of the day’s play. Jadeja provided solid support, ensuring India had a platform to push for a large first-innings total on Day 2.
Despite Ashwin’s heroics, Hasan Mahmud’s 4-62 stood out as the highlight of Bangladesh’s bowling performance. His opening spell of 3-14 put India on the back foot early, dismissing both Sharma and Kohli in quick succession. “The plan was simple, to bowl at my strength — bowl seam-up and shape the ball in and out — and I succeeded,” said Hasan.
Bangladesh’s spinners, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, contributed with timely wickets, but the Ashwin-Jadeja stand proved impenetrable as the day wore on. Speaking after the day’s play, India’s opener Yashasvi Jaiswal remarked, "We always have a plan. We were relaxed in the dressing room... In the last session, we scored quite well and are in a good position at the moment."
India will aim to capitalize on their momentum and build a significant first-innings total. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to break the Ashwin-Jadeja partnership early and restrict the hosts’ lead.
The second and final test of the series is set to begin on September 27 in Kanpur.
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