Ashwin’s All-Round Brilliance Propels India to Commanding 280-Run Victory in Chennai

Chennai – Ravichandran Ashwin's masterclass with both bat and ball sealed a comprehensive 280-run win for India over Bangladesh in the first Test, propelling the hosts to a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Bangladesh, resuming day four at 158-4, found themselves completely overwhelmed by Ashwin’s relentless spin, succumbing to 234 all out in their daunting chase of 515. Ashwin, who claimed figures of 6-88 in the second innings, proved once again why he’s regarded as one of the premier all-rounders in the game today.

The off-spinner was instrumental in tearing through Bangladesh’s middle and lower order, picking up three key wickets on the final day. His clinical performance followed a fine 116-run knock in India’s first innings, making this the third occasion in his career where he’s notched a century and taken a five-wicket haul in the same Test. His previous two came against the West Indies, but this one in front of his home crowd had a special significance, taking his career wicket tally to 516.

Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, stood tall in an otherwise crumbling lineup, top-scoring with 82 before becoming one of Ravindra Jadeja’s three victims on the day. Shanto had shown resilience in the early stages, beginning the day unbeaten on 51, but the visiting side could only muster an additional 76 runs for their remaining six wickets as India’s bowlers made quick work of the tail.

India’s win was built on a solid first-innings platform, with centuries from Ashwin (113) and Rishabh Pant (109), who continued to demonstrate his explosive style. Shubman Gill also starred with an unbeaten 119 in the second innings declaration, as India piled on the runs to set an imposing target.

The 280-run triumph cements India’s dominance on home soil, and they’ll head into the second Test in Kanpur full of confidence. For Bangladesh, it’s a steep learning curve against one of the world’s strongest teams, but they’ll need to regroup quickly as the series finale looms.

With India leading 1-0, all eyes now turn to Kanpur, where Bangladesh will be hoping to salvage some pride and level the series. However, if Ashwin continues his all-round brilliance, India may well be on their way to a comfortable series sweep.

The second Test begins Friday at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium.