Cricket

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's jovial nature and expressive on-field antics have made him a fan favorite. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Rohit's playful demeanor was once again on display.In a viral video, Rohit was seen performing his signature bail flip while fielding. The video captured the essence of Rohit's relaxed yet competitive approach to the game. His animated conversations with teammates and humorous exchanges with opposition players showcase his ability to balance intensity with a sense of fun.India's victory in the first Test was largely due to the brilliance of R Ashwin. After going wicketless in the first innings, Ashwin claimed six wickets in the second innings, including the crucial dismissal of Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque.Ashwin's contributions extended beyond bowling. In the first innings, he scored a gritty century, rescuing India from a precarious position. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja propelled India to a respectable total of 376.For his outstanding performance, Ashwin was named Player of the Match. The focus now shifts to Kanpur, where the second Test match is scheduled to take place from September 27. India, with a 1-0 lead in the series, will be the favorites heading into the second game.Bangladesh, on the other hand, have never managed to defeat India in a Test match. However, they will be determined to make history and level the series in Kanpur.

India's Test season commenced with a resounding victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, setting the tone for a challenging 10-match campaign. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team asserted their dominance in the opening Test, securing a 280-run triumph in under four days.This victory not only gave India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series but also solidified their position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. India's WTC points percentage (PCT) surged to 71.67, with 86 points from 10 Tests. Prior to the series, India held the top spot, but this win extended their lead over second-placed Australia by 9.17 PCT.The victory has significantly enhanced India's chances of reaching the WTC final for the third consecutive time. However, they still require at least four more wins in the remaining nine Tests to guarantee their spot. These Tests include the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur next week, a three-match home series against New Zealand next month, and the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Bangladesh, who had risen to the fourth spot after a historic 2-0 whitewash against Pakistan last month, slipped to the sixth position after this defeat. Their PCT also dropped from 45.83 to 39.29.As the season progresses, all eyes will be on India's performance in the remaining fixtures. Each match is crucial for maintaining their stronghold at the top of the WTC table and securing a spot in the finals.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran spinner, is redefining his preparation for an arduous Test cricket season at the age of 38. His stellar performance in India's emphatic 280-run victory against Bangladesh in the first Test at Chepauk has prompted him to adopt a match-by-match approach."It's challenging. Sometimes, looking too far ahead can be overwhelming. You have to take it one match at a time," Ashwin emphasized. He acknowledged the importance of conserving energy for the upcoming matches.To cope with the physical demands, Ashwin has modified his fitness regime. "At 38, every bit of work has to be doubled. I've reduced my strength training sessions and focus more on mobility. I also incorporate yoga into my routine," he revealed.Ashwin lauded his teammate Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed five wickets in the match. "Jadeja is a force on the field. I have immense admiration for him," Ashwin said, highlighting their evolving relationship and mutual respect. "I've grown to admire him even more over the years. It's a friendly rivalry, but I know I can never surpass Jadeja. I'm content with my abilities but inspired by him."He also commended Rishabh Pant, who scored a century on his return to Test cricket. "Rishabh's form was never in doubt. His comeback has been remarkable. He's an entertainer and will only improve with time," Ashwin observed.As India gears up for a packed Test cricket season, Ashwin's experience and adaptability will be invaluable to the team's quest for the World Test Championship Final.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has faced skepticism throughout his Test career due to his initial prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, with an impressive tally of 101 Tests and 522 wickets, Ashwin has silenced his critics.In the recent Test victory against Bangladesh in Chennai, Ashwin played a pivotal role, claiming seven wickets and scoring a crucial century in the first innings. His performance highlighted his versatility and cemented his status as one of the greatest Test bowlers of all time.Ashwin's journey began as a replacement for legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. Despite initial doubts, Ashwin has surpassed Harbhajan's wicket tally and established himself as a formidable force in Test cricket."I had huge shoes to fill," Ashwin said after the match. "I used to replicate Harbhajan's action in junior cricket. Constantly people have doubted if I could deliver in red-ball as I came from IPL."Ashwin credits his success to his unwavering focus on bowling, while acknowledging his natural batting ability. He emphasizes the importance of compartmentalizing the two aspects of the game."I make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first," he said. "Batting is something that comes naturally but I have focused my thoughts with batting. Over the last few years, I have tried to compartmentalize."Ashwin's century in Chennai was a testament to his determination and resilience. "It was an opportunity to fight, dig in deep," he said. "I've seen so many teammates do it in the past. It was a special innings."With his exceptional performances, Ashwin has earned the respect of his peers and fans alike. He continues to inspire young cricketers and contribute to India's success in Test cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, has etched his name further into the annals of Test cricket history by claiming his 37th five-wicket haul. This remarkable achievement came in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh at his home ground, Chepauk.While the first innings proved less fruitful for Ashwin with the ball, he made a significant contribution with the bat, scoring a century that helped India post a formidable total of 376 runs. However, it was his bowling prowess in the second innings that proved decisive, earning India a comprehensive 280-run victory.Ashwin's exceptional performance highlights his status as one of the most prolific wicket-takers in Test cricket. He now holds the following records for India:* Second most wickets (522)* Most five-wicket hauls (37)* Joint most ten-wicket hauls (10)* Fastest to 250, 300, and 350 wickets in the world* Second most centuries at No. 8 or below in the world (4)* Only cricketer to have taken 30 five-fors and scored 20 50+ scoresAshwin's all-round brilliance was crucial in India's victory. His 113 off 133 balls in the first innings provided a solid foundation for the team's total, particularly after the top-order faltered. While the top-order struggled again in the second innings, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill stepped up with centuries to take India to a total of 287/4 before skipper Rohit Sharma declared.On Day 4, India wasted no time in dismissing the remaining six Bangladesh batters, securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. This victory also strengthens India's position in the World Test Championship points table.

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin orchestrated a dominant performance for India, leading them to a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Test at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.Bangladesh, set an improbable target of 515, were bowled out for 234 in their second innings, with Ashwin wreaking havoc with a six-wicket haul. The off-spinner, who has a special affinity for the Chepauk pitch, finished with figures of 6/88, showcasing his mastery of spin bowling.Ravindra Jadeja provided valuable support, claiming 3/58, while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored for Bangladesh with a valiant 82 off 127 deliveries. However, the visitors' batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by the Indian bowlers.India's victory was set up by a commanding batting performance in their second innings. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill both notched up centuries, scoring 109 and 119 not out respectively. Their twin tons helped India declare their innings at 287/4, setting Bangladesh an insurmountable target.The victory marks a significant milestone for Ashwin, who has now become the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, surpassing Kapil Dev's tally of 434 wickets. Ashwin's exceptional performance has cemented his status as one of the greatest spinners of all time.India will now look to seal the series in the second and final Test, which will be played in Dhaka from December 14-18. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to counter India's formidable bowling attack.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has praised wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his century in the first Test against Bangladesh, highlighting his defensive technique that resembles that of legendary former skipper MS Dhoni.Pant's century, along with Shubman Gill's, helped India set a massive 515-run target for Bangladesh. Manjrekar noted that Pant's innings showcased his willingness to play defensively, a trait often overlooked due to his aggressive batting style."It is a misleading package we see with Rishabh Pant," Manjrekar said. "Underneath that, you will see as many dot balls in his innings as Shubman Gill's, so he is willing to also play the defensive game that we have seen many times in the past."Manjrekar compared Pant's defensive technique to Dhoni's, who was known for his solid defense despite his reputation as a big-hitter. "He has got a pretty good defensive technique, bit like Dhoni, whose defensive technique was quite good," Manjrekar said.Manjrekar also noted Pant's ability to adapt his batting to the situation, similar to former opener Virender Sehwag. "He is that kind of player who has his own way of getting runs and has his own agenda - a bit like Virender Sehwag," Manjrekar said.In the match, India posted a total of 515 runs, with Ashwin and Jadeja contributing significant innings. Bangladesh was bowled out for 149 in their first innings, trailing by 227 runs. In their second innings, India declared at 287/4, setting Bangladesh a target of 515.At the end of day three, Bangladesh was 158/4, with Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the resistance.

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by surpassing legendary Anil Kumble to become the highest wicket-taker for India in the fourth innings of a Test match. Ashwin achieved this remarkable feat during the first Test against Bangladesh at Chennai on Saturday.After going wicketless in the first innings, Ashwin turned the tide in the final innings while defending a mammoth total of 515 runs. By the end of day three, he had claimed three wickets for 63 runs in 15 overs, with an economy rate of 4.20.With this performance, Ashwin has now taken 96 wickets in the fourth innings of a Test in just 35 innings, at an astonishing average of 19.4 and a strike rate of over 45. His best bowling figures in the fourth innings stand at an impressive 7/59. He has also registered six five-wicket hauls in the fourth innings of a Test match.Ashwin's remarkable achievement has not only placed him above Kumble, who had 94 fourth innings wickets, but also tied him with West Indies legend Courtney Walsh as the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Tests. In 101 Tests, Ashwin has amassed 519 wickets at an average of 23.78, with best figures of 7/59 and a total of 36 five-wicket hauls. Walsh, on the other hand, took 519 wickets in 132 Tests between 1984-2001.In the ongoing Test match, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. India's top-order collapsed, leaving them at a precarious 34/3. However, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56) and Rishabh Pant (39) stitched a crucial 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing India back into the game.After India was reduced to 144/6, Ashwin (113) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*) forged a magnificent 199-run partnership, helping India reach a respectable 376 in 91.2 overs. Hasan Mahmud (5/83) was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed also chipped in with three wickets.In their first innings, Bangladesh struggled to keep up with India's pace attack. Shakib Al Hasan (32), Litton Das (22), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (27*) offered some resistance, but Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) and Akash Deep (2/19) proved too strong, dismissing Bangladesh for 149 runs and leaving them trailing by 227 runs.In their second innings, India once again lost their top-order quickly, but centuries from Shubman Gill (119*) and Rishabh Pant (109) helped them reach 287/4 before declaring their innings. Bangladesh was set a daunting target of 515 to win.Bangladesh started their run-chase positively, with openers Zakir Hasan (33) and Shadman Islam (35) putting up a 62-run opening stand. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) held the innings together as Ashwin (3/63) and Bumrah (1/18) picked up wickets. At the end of day three, Bangladesh was 158/4, with Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) unbeaten.

Virat Kohli's decision not to review an LBW decision against him in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh sparked controversy and became a major talking point on social media. The incident occurred when Kohli was trapped by Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 17 runs. Umpire Richard Kettleborough raised his finger in favor of the bowler, but Kohli opted against reviewing the decision.However, replays later revealed that there was an inside edge on the ball, which even Kohli was unaware of. This costly error left Indian captain Rohit Sharma visibly baffled, as he appeared frustrated with Kohli's decision not to take the DRS review. Kettleborough, on the other hand, couldn't help but smile upon realizing that the star Indian batter had made a blunder.During the final innings of the first Test, Kohli approached Kettleborough for a brief conversation. The umpire's comment, accompanied by a pat on Kohli's back, left the Indian skipper laughing uncontrollably. Although the video capturing this interaction quickly spread across social media platforms, the absence of audio made it impossible to discern the exact words exchanged between the two.Kohli's decision not to review the LBW decision has been widely criticized by experts and fans alike. Many believe that it was a reckless and impulsive decision that cost India a crucial wicket. However, some have defended Kohli's decision, arguing that he may have felt confident that he had not hit the ball.Despite the controversy surrounding Kohli's decision, India managed to close in on victory in the first Test thanks to centuries from opener Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Bangladesh started their chase of 515 runs briskly but lost wickets to reach 158-4 when bad light stopped play on day three. The visitors still need 357 runs for a win.