Ashwin’s Century Rescues India After Early Collapse in Chennai Test

Ravichandran Ashwin’s scintillating century helped India recover from a disastrous start on day one of the first Test against Bangladesh, guiding the hosts to 339-6 at the close in Chennai. Ashwin, playing on his home ground, struck a magnificent unbeaten 102 to lead India’s fightback after they slumped to 144-6 in the afternoon session.

In partnership with fellow all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who finished the day on 86 not out, Ashwin transformed what had been a dominant day for Bangladesh into a promising one for India. The pair's unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 195 runs from 227 balls shifted the momentum firmly in India's favor.

Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by seamer Hasan Mahmud, had made an early impact, reducing India to 36-3 within the first hour. Mahmud was the chief architect of India’s top-order collapse, finishing with figures of 4-58. He claimed the prized wickets of captain Rohit Sharma for six, Virat Kohli for six, and opener Shubman Gill for a duck. Mahmud also dismissed Rishabh Pant for 39 in the wicketkeeper’s much-anticipated return to Test cricket following a year-long absence due to injury.

The day began disastrously for India as Mahmud struck in quick succession, with Rohit edging to second slip and Gill glancing one down the leg side into the hands of the wicketkeeper. Kohli followed soon after, caught behind off a teasing delivery that left India in early disarray.

Despite opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s steady 56, Bangladesh’s bowlers continued to press, and Pant’s dismissal after a promising start left India in deep trouble at 144-6.

But Ashwin and Jadeja counter-attacked with flair and precision. Ashwin, showing his batting prowess once again, struck 10 boundaries and two sixes in a commanding knock. He reached his sixth Test century in just 108 balls, displaying perfect timing and aggressive strokeplay. Jadeja was equally destructive, hitting 10 fours and two sixes as he targeted the straight boundaries with ease.

Ashwin praised the familiar surface for its bounce and carry, saying, "On a surface like this with a bit of spice, if you're going after the ball, might as well go after it really hard. The red soil pitch allows you to play a few shots, and if you're willing to give the ball a little tonk, it really helps."

As day one ended, India’s fortunes had dramatically improved thanks to Ashwin and Jadeja’s heroics. With Bangladesh still yet to bat, the visitors will need to regroup and find a way to dismiss the Indian all-rounders early on day two to keep themselves in contention.