Yashasvi Jaiswal was the only notable Indian top-order batter to score some runs as Bangladesh bowlers reigned supreme in 1st session of the first Test that got underway in Chennai on September 19, 2024.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bowl first on Chennai track. And Hasan Mahmud proved his skipper’s decision right as he dismissed Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (0) early.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (56) and Rishabh Pant (39) then added 62 runs for the 4th wicket, before Pant fell soon after the lunch break. KL Rahul (16) followed soon after to leave India 144/6. Jaiswal also fell for 56 runs to Nahid Rana.
But R Ashwin (102*) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*) have put on 195* runs for the 7th wicket to take India to 339/6 at the end of day 1’s play, saving India from major blushes.
Yashasvi Jaiswal played with tremendous discipline and conviction, scoring a tough 56. The youthful opener believes that these experiences will help him grow as a versatile and resilient player in the future.
"It was amazing to go out there and play in these conditions. It will make me strong and I will learn from it as to how to play in all these conditions and how to plan my innings. I try to bat according to the requirements of my team and keep changing my game accordingly. If the wicket falls initially, how can I bat? When the runs are coming, how can I bat?," Jaiswal told reporters.
Jaiswal agreed that the bowlers had some help during the first two sessions, demanding a cautious approach from the Indian batters.
"Initially, I think the ball was moving a bit and seaming a bit and the wicket was a bit down. So, we took our time. But if you see in the last session, we scored quite well and I think we are in a good position at the moment," he said.
The 22-year-old stated that he and Pant were looking for loose deliveries to capitalize on, as the Bangladesh bowlers had the advantage during that stage of the game. He also observed that Hasan Mahmud, who took four wickets, kept tight lines and attempted to use their feet well against the pacer.
"I think the wicket was a bit helpful initially and if you look at the weather, it was a bit cloudy. But we were trying to go through that period by playing safe.
I think he definitely bowled well but, at times, he also gave loose balls on which we scored runs. We were just talking about how we can use our feet. We were trying to see if there is a loose ball to score runs and was looking to make a partnership and play as long as we can," he said.
(PTI inputs)
