India’s Ravichandran Ashwin is receiving widespread acclaim for his outstanding performance on the first day of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh. Ashwin’s unbeaten century, his sixth in Test cricket, lifted India to a commanding position after an early top-order collapse. At stumps, India stood at 339/6 in 80 overs, with Ashwin unbeaten on 102 off 112 deliveries.
Walking in at No. 8, Ashwin joined Ravindra Jadeja with India in trouble at 144/6, following the quick dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul within five balls. The pair then produced a remarkable unbroken partnership of 195 runs, pushing India to a dominant position by the end of the day.
Ashwin played with great composure, handling both the Bangladeshi pacers and spinners with ease. He displayed a wide range of shots, including elegant drives off both the front and back foot, and wasn’t afraid to go aerial, clearing the boundary with confident stroke play. His footwork was impeccable, as he consistently found ways to counter the opposition’s bowlers.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra praised Ashwin for his remarkable innings, drawing comparisons to legendary Indian batter VVS Laxman. Speaking on JioCinema, Chopra remarked, “Ashwin’s ability to deal with deliveries on his legs reminds me of VVS Laxman. His backfoot shots, driving ability, and the six he hit on a bent knee showcased his full range. This innings was crucial; without it, India could’ve been bowled out for much less.”
Chopra emphasized that while Jadeja’s performance was excellent, Ashwin’s contribution deserved special recognition for turning the game in India’s favor.
