R Ashwin’s all-round brilliance powers India to victory over Bangladesh in Chennai Test

Ravichandran Ashwin once again showcased his all-round brilliance as India secured a dominant victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at Chepauk, Chennai. Ashwin's exceptional performance included scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul, his fourth such double in Tests and second consecutive at this venue. This victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the series.

Bangladesh started the day needing to survive six wickets with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan at the crease. Despite facing challenging spells from Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, the pair managed to hold on for the first hour, with Shanto showing great resilience. However, things changed quickly after the drinks break.

Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who had already played a crucial role with the bat on day one, combined their efforts with the ball to dismantle Bangladesh’s batting lineup. In his first over after the break, Ashwin’s clever drift deceived Shakib, who played down the wrong line and edged the ball to Yashasvi Jaiswal at short leg. This wicket was a milestone for Ashwin as it moved him past Courtney Walsh’s tally of 519 Test wickets, placing him eighth on the all-time list.

Jadeja then struck, dismissing Litton Das with a sharp catch at first slip. Ashwin continued to dominate, completing his 37th five-wicket haul with a simple catch taken by Jadeja after Mehidy Hasan Miraz tried to clear the long-on fielder but misjudged his shot.

Shanto, who had fought valiantly throughout, finally fell to Jadeja, trying to attack the last ball of an over but only managed to edge it to the slips. Bangladesh’s resistance ended soon after, with India wrapping up the innings and securing a comfortable win.

Ashwin’s performance in this Test put him level with Shane Warne for the number of five-wicket hauls in Tests, and only Muttiah Muralitharan has more, with 67. Ashwin's all-round efforts, combined with Jadeja's sharp bowling, ensured that India took an early lead in the series.