Cricket: In a few years, when we look back at the India vs Bangladesh Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in September 2024, we’ll likely remember it as the ‘Ashwin Test.’ From the second session of Day 1 to India’s victory in the first session of Day 4, Ashwin was the standout.
He scored a century on Day 1, equaled Shane Warne’s 37 five-wicket hauls, and claimed another Man of the Match award, with his family, former coaches, and friends in the stands. The stage seemed set for the 38-year-old to announce it as his last Test at his beloved home ground. But he left the possibility open, saying, “Who knows if this was my Chepauk swansong? But if it was, what a swansong it was.” His brilliant 6-88 led India to a 280-run win, putting them 1-0 up in the series and on course for a spot in the World Test Championship Final.
On the fourth morning, India’s task was to wrap up the game quickly before heading to Kanpur for the next Test. Despite the tired pitch, captain Rohit Sharma held off on bringing Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja into action, allowing the Bangladeshi batters Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan to settle in against the fast bowlers. But once Ashwin and Jadeja were introduced, the momentum shifted.
Ashwin’s tactical switch to bowling from around the wicket, targeting the middle stump with a 5-4 offside field, took away the cut and reverse sweep options for the left-handers. His slower, flighted deliveries exploited the worn pitch, and he soon dismissed Shakib with an inside edge caught at short leg, marking the beginning of the end for Bangladesh.
Jadeja complemented Ashwin with a 3-58 spell, dismissing Litton Das, who had recently excelled in Pakistan, with a ball that turned just enough to find the edge to slip. The only question left was whether Shanto, who batted valiantly for 82, could reach his century, but he eventually succumbed to Jadeja’s bowling.
Though Jadeja missed out on his 300th Test wicket, ending with 299, he was crucial to the win with his all-round performance, including an 86-run partnership with Ashwin and key wickets across both innings. Reflecting on their partnership, Ashwin praised Jadeja, calling him an “inspirational story” and expressing his growing admiration for him.
India, united by their dominant performance, appeared as a happy and cohesive team.