Cricket

Indian cricket team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed surprise at the low turnout on Day 1 of the first Test encounter between India and Bangladesh in Chennai. While the crowd was quite less during the start of play, the spectators did make their way back into the stadium later in the day.In a recent interaction, Ashwin questioned the lack of crowd at the start of the match and wondered if the spectators struggled to get the tickets for the match."The ground was completely empty on the first day. I was wondering why the ground was so empty on Day 1. Virat Kept telling me that no one was coming to watch the Test match. But from that moment, there was a huge crowd. I wanted to ask you why so many people struggled to buy tickets?" Ashwin asked former cricketer and commentator Ashwath Bobo on his YouTube channel.Ashwath responded that fans were not sure whether the match will continue till Day 5 and as a result, most of them opted for daily tickets instead of a season ticket. That led to a massive queue outside the stadium and majority of the fans ended up getting late for the game."Initially, when ticket sales used to happen, they used to call it a season ticket or a day ticket. A season ticket is when you get it punched on Day 1 and you can come back for 5 days with same ticket. Many people were afraid that the match would not go on till the 4th or 5th day. So everyone had an ambiguity to buy the season ticket. So when they come to buy the day ticket, the crowd was huge. The crowd was from the Pavillion to the Pattabiram Gate," Ashwath said."So it was just one counter?" Ashwin asked."Yes there was just one counter. There were a lot of problems. When I came, there was a huge crowd in that line. But when I came, as you said, the crowd was scattered on Day 1. So, many people struggled to buy the day ticket. But as you said, yesterday was Saturday and crowd was huge. On Sunday, the crowd was there till the end of the presentation," Ashwath replied.Ashwin scored a ton and achieved a six-wicket haul to guide India to a 280-run victory.

Ravichandran Ashwin's stellar performance in the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has earned him the title of hero. Ashwin's crafty 113 in his only batting opportunity and his impressive bowling figures of 6 for 88 in the final innings played a pivotal role in India's resounding 280-run victory.Ashwin's all-round brilliance has been a cornerstone of India's recent Test successes. In an interview with JioCinema, he revealed his evolved approach to both bowling and batting. "I don't think like, 'I want to go out there and make a hundred.' I genuinely aim to get a five-wicket haul in every Test match," Ashwin said.While his primary focus remains on his bowling, Ashwin has also made significant strides in his batting. "But in recent years, my batting has become simpler than it was in the past. I used to confuse myself, overthinking as a bowler while batting, but now I keep it simple--watch the ball and react," he explained.This shift in mindset has transformed Ashwin into a more reliable lower-order batter. However, he acknowledges the challenges of balancing both aspects of his game. "Compartmentalizing both aspects was a challenge, but I feel like I've cracked it," Ashwin stated confidently.Ashwin's performance in Chennai was a testament to his hard work and dedication. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an invaluable asset to the Indian team. As India looks to secure the series victory in the second Test, Ashwin will undoubtedly be a key figure in their plans.

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma heaped praise on Ravichandran Ashwin for his exceptional all-round performance in the first Test against Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Ashwin's match-winning ton and fifer earned him the Player of the Match award.With the bat, Ashwin played a crucial knock of 113 runs from 133 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and two maximums. His innings helped India post a formidable total of 404 runs in the first innings.With the ball, Ashwin was equally impressive, bagging six wickets in his spell of 21 overs. He conceded 88 runs and played a key role in restricting Bangladesh to 150 runs in their first innings.Rohit Sharma lauded Ashwin's contributions, saying, "He's next in line to talk to you, he's the right man to answer what he does. Every time we look up to him, he's always there for us whether with the bat or ball. I don't know if I speak here, it'll be enough of what he does for this team. Every time we see him come out and do the job, it's always so brilliant. He's never out of the game."Rohit also spoke about wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who made a successful return to Test cricket after two years. Pant played a crucial knock of 109 runs in the second innings, helping India set a target of 513 runs for Bangladesh."He's been through some really tough times. The way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch. He came back in the IPL, followed by a very successful World Cup and this is the format he loves the most. For us, it was never about what is he going to do with the bat, we always knew what he had with the bat and with the gloves as well," Rohit said."It was just about giving him the game time. Credit to him as well, he went on to play Duleep Trophy and got ready for this Test match and had an impact straightaway in the game. No matter what the conditions are, whether we play in India, whether we play outside, we want to build the team around that (strong bowling)," the opener added.

Gautam Gambhir's maiden Test coaching stint with the Indian cricket team has commenced, following Rahul Dravid's successful guidance to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. As the team embarks on a lengthy Test season, Gambhir faces the challenge of continuing the team's success.Ravichandran Ashwin, a pivotal figure in India's Test aspirations, has shed light on the contrasting coaching styles of Gambhir and Dravid. "Gambhir is very relaxed," Ashwin said. "He's like, 'Are you coming?' Rahul Bhai, on the other hand, is more regimented. He wants everything in order."Ashwin also expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic crowd support during the first Test against Bangladesh. He hailed the pitch as one of the best he has played on in India, urging curators to create similar surfaces for Tamil Nadu's Ranji Trophy matches."The crowd was passionate," Ashwin said. "The pitch was awesome. I hope Tamil Nadu plays Ranji Trophy on such pitches. It was an outstanding Test match wicket."Ashwin recalled a conversation with former curator Pacha, who predicted the pitch would favor fast bowlers initially before becoming conducive to spin. "But like he said, the first day, there was bounce," Ashwin concluded.As India prepares for upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia, Ashwin's insights into the team's coaching dynamics and the importance of pitch quality provide valuable context for the challenges ahead.

Team India's dominance continued as they secured a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series in Chennai. The hosts set a daunting target of 515 for Bangladesh, who were eventually dismissed for 234 on the fourth day.Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the star performer for India, showcasing his all-round brilliance. With the bat, he notched up a powerful century, while with the ball, he claimed a memorable six-wicket haul. Ashwin's exceptional performance played a pivotal role in India's comprehensive victory.The match also witnessed a light-hearted moment involving India skipper Rohit Sharma. On the fourth day, Sharma was captured on camera flipping the bails at the striker's end and hilariously casting a spell on the stumps. The incident drew comparisons to Virat Kohli's habit of switching bails during matches, adding a touch of humor to the proceedings.India's victory gives them an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series. The second and final Test will be played in Kanpur from September 27.In the post-match presentation, Rohit Sharma expressed his satisfaction with the result, highlighting the team's preparation and the impact of Rishabh Pant's century. He also emphasized the importance of building a strong bowling unit capable of adapting to various conditions.

Ravindra Jadeja's impending entry into the elite club of cricketers with 300 wickets and 3000 runs in Test cricket is a testament to his exceptional all-round abilities. Only ten players in history have achieved this milestone, including Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin.Jadeja's low-key approach sets him apart from other all-rounders. Unlike Ashwin, who is known for his vocal presence, Jadeja operates quietly, relying on his fighting instincts and competitive spirit. His contributions often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the brilliance of his teammates.In the first Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja's partnership with Ashwin was crucial in India's victory. Their 199-run stand for the seventh wicket rescued India from a precarious position. While Ashwin's century grabbed the headlines, Jadeja's 86 and five wickets were equally significant.Ashwin himself acknowledges Jadeja's importance, stating that he has been "a very inspirational story" and that he is "totally inspired by what he's done." Since 2012, Jadeja and Ashwin have formed a formidable partnership in home Tests, winning 34 out of 45 matches.Jadeja's selfless nature and lack of self-promotion further distinguish him. He rarely gives interviews or seeks recognition, preferring to focus on contributing to the team. After the Chepauk Test, while others celebrated, Jadeja stood quietly, contemplating strategies for the next match.Jadeja's achievements are a testament to his unwavering determination and ability to perform under pressure. His partnership with Ashwin has been a key factor in India's success in home Tests. Despite his low-profile approach, Jadeja's contributions are undeniable, making him one of the most valuable all-rounders in the game today.

Bangladesh's dream run in Test cricket came to an abrupt end as they suffered a crushing 280-run defeat against India in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side, which had recently swept Pakistan 2-0, was outplayed in all departments by a dominant Indian team.India's bowlers wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh batting lineup, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming five wickets, Ravichandran Ashwin taking six, Ravindra Jadeja picking up five, Mohammed Siraj grabbing two, and Akash Deep chipping in with two. The hosts' spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, exploited the turning pitch to their advantage, while the pacers provided excellent support.Former Pakistan player Basit Ali praised the pitch curators for preparing a surface that offered a fair contest between bat and ball. He criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its poor track record in preparing Test match pitches."The bowlers ticked all the boxes. India played two spinners, keeping in mind that the ball will spin and it happened. So the credit goes to the pitch curators, who know how to make a Test match surface," Ali said on his YouTube channel."In our nation, they say there is no value of pitch. They are illiterate people. The one who have played cricket with pride are there on the Board (PCB). This is what I get angry. What are you teaching to kids?" he added.Ali emphasized the importance of understanding the pitch conditions, highlighting the examples of legendary batsmen Sunil Gavaskar and Javed Miandad."50 per cent of the issue is solved if you read the pitch well, ask Sunil Gavaskar and Javed Miandad. But they don't understand," he said.The second and final Test between India and Bangladesh will commence on September 27.

India's Test Dominance Hinges on Ashwin and Jadeja, Says Kamran AkmalFormer Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has highlighted the pivotal roles played by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in India's Test team, particularly on home soil. His comments come after India's emphatic 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai.Akmal emphasized the duo's match-winning partnership in the first innings, which turned the tide in India's favor. After the hosts found themselves struggling at 144/6, Ashwin and Jadeja combined for a crucial 199-run stand. Ashwin scored a brilliant 109, while Jadeja contributed with a valuable 86."What an all-round performance from Ashwin," Akmal said on his YouTube channel. "He took six wickets in the second innings and scored a century. It was a match-winning partnership from Jaddu. Without these two players, India can't form a Test playing XI at home. They are big performers."Ashwin's brilliance extended to the bowling department, where he claimed six wickets in Bangladesh's second innings. Jadeja provided excellent support, finishing with combined figures of 5/77 across both innings.Akmal also praised Shubman Gill's return to form, noting his unbeaten 119 in the second innings. "Shubman Gill showed his form. He is a remarkable player, and it is important for him to score runs," Akmal said.Another highlight of the match was Rishabh Pant's comeback to Test cricket. After recovering from a serious car accident in December 2022, Pant scored a gritty 109 in the second innings. Akmal commended Pant's resilience and the efforts of the medical team that facilitated his return."It was an incredible performance from Pant," Akmal said. "I salute the medical panel and the trainer who brought him back to the field."India's victory in Chennai has further solidified their dominance in Test cricket at home. With Ashwin and Jadeja leading the charge, the team looks well-equipped to continue their success in the upcoming matches against Bangladesh.

Ravichandran Ashwin's stellar performance at Chepauk, where he claimed 105 wickets in a single match, was met with mixed emotions from his wife, Prithi. While she was overjoyed with his achievements, she couldn't help but express her disappointment over the lack of attention she received on the first day of the match.In a heartwarming conversation shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Prithi confronted Ashwin about his absence on the opening day. "Kids want to know what would you give them on Daughter's day?" she asked. Ashwin responded with a playful suggestion of giving them the ball he used to pick up a fifer. However, his daughter quickly dismissed the idea.Prithi then asked Ashwin how it felt to perform so well in front of his home crowd. "I don't know how to react because the first day was something that happened really quickly," Ashwin said. "I didn't expect to walk in to bat here and get a hundred. I hadn't batted in a while. It feels great. Every time I come here it feels special. I don't know there is some energy in his ground that keeps me going."Prithi couldn't resist a cheeky question, wondering if Ashwin's performance had refueled his energy levels, as he had neglected her on the first day. Ashwin, however, managed to justify his actions. "Do you think this energy added anything to your energy?" Prithi asked. "She kept complaining that I didn't see her on the first day. I didn't. For me, it's very difficult for me to look out for the family when I am playing. In the middle of the game, but I do make a conscious effort because the children are always asking me, 'Why didn't you say hi'?" Ashwin said jokily.Prithi defended herself, saying that she didn't always expect Ashwin to greet her, but she felt neglected when he didn't acknowledge her presence at all. "I would like to defend myself here. I don't always say hi. When you sit in the seat for 9 to 5 and all I see is Raj waving back at me like I have made up the two days."Despite the playful banter, Prithi expressed her pride in Ashwin's achievements. "But congratulations. A second hundred and a fifer at Chennai. The kids are here they really had a good time. A perfect Sunday morning, it has been a decent weather," she said.Ashwin concluded the conversation by thanking Prithi for her support and bringing him good luck.