India secured a convincing victory over Bangladesh in the first Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, winning by a margin of 280 runs. Bangladesh was set a challenging target of 515 runs but could only muster 234 runs before being bowled out. Ravichandran Ashwin played a starring role with a six-wicket haul to dismantle the visitors' batting lineup.
Ashwin was also pivotal to India's batting unit, smacking a ton in the first innings. In the first innings, Ashwin slammed 113 runs off 133 balls, packed with 11 fours and two sixes.
Also Read | Ashwin quietly carves rich legacy in batter-obsessed India; and it's time to celebrate the champion before he's goneWhat did Rohit Sharma say?After winning the match on Day 4, India captain Rohit Sharma hailed Ashwin for his impact. "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," he said.
Commenting on Ashwin's batting, Rohit added, "The last competitive cricket he played was IPL and then he had some fun playing TNPL. We watched him bat up the order and that's what helped him as well to bat the way he did."
During the first innings, India were in danger at 144/6, but then Ashwin's rescue act turned the tide. He batted with intent, and bagged his sixth Test century, alongwith a key 199-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja, taking the hosts to 376. After that Bangladesh were wrapped up for 149 in 1.5 sessions. India didn't enforce a follow-on, and then tons from Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill saw India set a massive 500-plus target. Bangladesh started strong in the run chase, but lost four-wickets in the final session on Day 3, which saw them lose the match with ease on Day 4.
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