India’s sheer intent and aggressive execution helped them stay on top through an action-packed fourth day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite losing 55 overs on the opening day and two full days to unrelenting weather, the Test match seemed destined for an uninteresting draw. Yet, in an unexpected turn of events, India emerged on the penultimate day with an aggressive strategy that reshaped the narrative entirely. Although the match might still conclude as a draw, India’s performance has added a layer of excitement to the proceedings.
Leading the assault in the latter part of the day was KL Rahul, whose scintillating 68 runs off just 43 balls electrified the atmosphere and set a high benchmark for the hosts. The Karnataka batsman, in his element, thoroughly dismantled the Bangladesh bowling attack, throwing them into disarray. Sharing an 87-run partnership with Virat Kohli, who contributed a rapid 47 runs off 35 balls, Rahul ensured that the momentum established by the top-order batsmen did not go to waste. Kohli and Rahul, typically known for their more measured approach, adopted a fearless attitude, epitomizing India’s newfound aggressive mindset.
The momentum for this audacious approach was initiated in the post-lunch session by Yashasvi Jaiswal. His explosive 72 runs from just 51 balls, combined with Rohit Sharma’s quickfire 23 runs off merely 11 balls, conveyed a clear message: India was going for the win. Though Sharma’s stint was brief, featuring three towering sixes, it sent an unequivocal signal of India’s attacking intent. Shubman Gill, contributing 39 runs from 37 balls, also chipped in significantly, although the team’s decision to promote Rishabh Pant up the batting order did not quite go as planned.
India declared their innings at the fall of the ninth wicket, having scored a rapid 285 runs in less than 35 overs, which equates to an astonishing run rate of 8.22 runs per over. By any standard, even compared to England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ tactics, this was an exceptional display of power-hitting and aggressive cricket. The relentless assault left Bangladesh visibly shaken.
. Spin maestros Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan managed to extract some reward for their toil, claiming figures of 4-41 and 4-78, respectively, but found themselves overwhelmed by the T20-style batting onslaught.
As the day drew to a close, Bangladesh faced a challenging period to navigate, leading to the loss of two crucial wickets, both claimed by Ravichandran Ashwin. His dismissal of Zakir Hasan was a testament to classic spin bowling, while the wicket of nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud was the result of an ill-advised stroke. This gave India significant momentum as they headed into the final day of play.
The day had begun favorably for Bangladesh until they lost three significant wickets in the morning session. Despite these setbacks, Mominul Haque’s gritty century, remaining unbeaten at 107*, kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive. Unfortunately, Haque found little support from the lower order, leading to Bangladesh’s collapse from 224-6 to 233 all out. India’s Jasprit Bumrah was in his element, taking 3-50 with robust support from his fellow bowlers.
Moreover, the day was a landmark for Ravindra Jadeja, who achieved the milestone of 300 Test wickets, joining an elite group of cricketers with over 3000 runs and 300 wickets in the longest format of the game. The day’s statistics were extraordinary: 437 runs were scored off 85 overs, and 18 wickets fell. Bangladesh, still trailing by 26 runs with eight wickets in hand, faced an uphill task on the final day.
While a draw remains the most likely outcome, the thrills and uncertainties dominating the fourth day have revived hopes for a dramatic finish. Summarizing the day’s play, it was a battle of grit, strategy, and unyielding intent, showcasing the unpredictable beauty of Test cricket.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 233 and 26/2 (Ravichandran Ashwin 2-14) trail India 285/9 decl. (Yashasvi Jaiswal 72, KL Rahul 68; Mehidy Hasan 4-41, Shakib Al Hasan 4-78) by 26 runs.