R Ashwin, along with Ravindra Jadeja, saved India major blushes on day one of the first Test against Bangladesh being played in Chennai. India found themselves in hot water after being asked to bat first after Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss.
This was the first time in 21 years and 42 Tests that a captain chose to bowl first after winning the toss in Chepauk. But Shanto’s decision was proven right as Hasan Mahud shattered the same Indian top order.
Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0) and Virat Kohli (0) failed to cross the double figures. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant (39) added 62 runs for the 4th wicket, taking India to lunch at 88/3. But soon after lunch, Mahmud got rid of Pant as well.
KL Rahul also followed soon for 16 runs, falling to Mehidy Hasan, leaving India 144/6. But then R Ashwin, on his home ground took the attack to Bangladesh bowlers, with Ravindra Jadeja holding one end.
Ashwin demonstrated his outstanding form by delivering a sequence of breathtaking shots that left head coach Gautam Gambhir in awe as he watched from the sideline.
Among the countless excellent strokes Ashwin executed, the cut shot against Nahid Rana piqued Gambhir's interest. On the final delivery of the 44th over, the tall pacer hit a short, wide ball at 144.2 kph.
Seizing the opportunity to score, the Indian batsman hit a brilliant cut shot that sent the ball speeding to the sweeper cover boundary. The commentators quickly labelled it the 'shot of the day'.
However, it was Gambhir's reaction that garnered significant attention, as he appeared visibly delighted with Ashwin's exceptional stroke play.
Ashwin and Jadeja’s rearguard action, adding over 150 runs for the 7th wicket took India over 300 runs on day one at the time of writing this piece.
