Despite the significant setback of losing nearly three days of play to adverse weather conditions, the Indian cricket team displayed remarkable determination and resolve on the fourth day of the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur. The weather had previously threatened to reduce the match to a dreary draw, but the Indian squad was unequivocal in their intent to push for a decisive result. This determination was most evident during an eventful post-lunch session that electrified the sparse but enthusiastic crowd present at the Green Park Stadium.
India’s bowling unit, spearheaded by the dynamic Jasprit Bumrah, executed a well-laid plan with precision to derail Bangladesh’s innings. Bumrah, who finished the session with figures of 3 for 50, was instrumental in restricting the visitors to a score well below what they would have hoped for. His efforts were particularly noticeable in the afternoon, where he dismantled Bangladesh’s lower order after lunch. The collapse saw Bangladesh manage a paltry 28 runs, with Bumrah slicing mercilessly through the tail-enders. Despite these challenges, Mominul Haque stood resilient, compiling a noteworthy unbeaten 107, albeit in a lone effort amidst the crumbling lineup.
Initially, Bumrah appeared somewhat off his usual intensity during the first part of the match. However, any concerns about his form were laid to rest with an impressive display. His scalping of Mushfiqur Rahim early in the day with a crafty delivery set the tone for what was to follow. His fiery spells were complemented by Mohammed Siraj, who dismissed Hasan Mahmud, and Ravindra Jadeja, who coolly clinched his 300th Test wicket, joining an elite club of cricketers with 3000 Test runs and 300 wickets.
Once the bowlers had accomplished their task, it was time for the Indian batters to unleash a counteroffensive, one that would mirror the aggression shown on the field earlier by their bowling counterparts. Rohit Sharma and the young Yashasvi Jaiswal embarked on a blitzkrieg that took Bangladesh by complete surprise.
. The duo displayed a brand of batting that’s rarely seen in the longest format of the game, with their intentions clear from the first over. Jaiswal got the ball rolling with three stylish boundaries, while Sharma added to the fireworks with consecutive sixes in just the second over. Their relentless approach saw India sprint to the fastest 50 in Test history, accomplishing the feat in a mere three overs.
As the records tumbled, India continued their assault, with Jaiswal bringing up his half-century in spectacular fashion. His fifty, coming off just 31 balls, not only set a benchmark against Bangladesh but also marked him as the third-fastest Indian to achieve the feat in Test matches. This aggression brought the team’s century within the first 11 overs, setting yet another record and placing pressure squarely on the visitors who watched helplessly.
India’s strategic shift to a more attacking style was evident beyond Jaiswal’s innings. Despite losing Sharma due to an unfortunate dismissal, the intent was clear – maximize every minute of the available playtime. Jaiswal’s dismissal after a scintillating 72 from 51 deliveries brought Shubman Gill to the crease. Gill, maintaining the flurry, appeared in great rhythm and was soon joined by the explosive Rishabh Pant, promoted up the order to maintain the frenetic pace established by his teammates.
With a minimum of 40 overs left to be bowled in the day, India’s prospects appeared promising. The lead had already taken shape, and the team seemed poised to build a sufficient cushion to challenge Bangladesh should they have another opportunity to bat. The aggressive style adopted by India on this rain-interrupted day has certainly raised expectations and added a layer of excitement in what seemed destined to be a lost cause due to adverse weather. The coming sessions promise much as India aims to capitalize further on this momentum and potentially eke out a win.