In a commanding display of skill and strategy, India recorded a decisive 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai. This resounding win marked India’s return to the Test format after a hiatus of six months, showcasing an unassailable depth and variety in their bowling lineup. Post-match, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma commended his team’s bowling prowess, emphasizing the significance of building a squad around a robust bowling attack, irrespective of playing conditions.
“No matter what the conditions are, whether we play in India or outside, we want to build the team around [bowling],” Rohit stated. His affirmation came on the heels of a comprehensive Indian performance that saw fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah dominate the first innings, bowling Bangladesh out for a paltry 149. In a testament to the team’s versatility, R. Ashwin then stepped up in the second innings, coupling a six-wicket haul with his first-innings century.
Rohit’s strategy of prioritizing strong bowling options has evidently paid off, enabling India to adapt seamlessly to various conditions over the last few years. “Whatever the condition has to offer, we got to be ready for it. You have to give credit to the guys; whenever there is a responsibility, they never shy away from it and they want to put their hand up and get the job done for the team,” he emphasized.
The pitch in Chennai added another layer to the challenge with its unique red-soil composition, which provided good pace and bounce for the first two days before turning more spin-friendly. Rohit underlined the need for patience, both with bat and ball, while Ashwin offered an elaborate breakdown of the pitch’s characteristics.
“Even if you bowl good balls, you’ll go for runs,” Ashwin reflected on the nature of the Chennai pitch. “The bounce is going to be quite daunting. We have lost a lot of red soil pitches over the years. The beauty of red soil is, you put revs on it, there is value and bounce.” Ashwin’s analysis highlighted the steep learning curve and the prized experience needed to master such surfaces.
. “You will get hit, but there is bounce,” he added, preferring red soil pitches even at the risk of conceding runs.
Ashwin drew a comparison to other surfaces around India, which vary significantly from one venue to another and demand different bowling approaches. “India has a lot of foreign soil. You go to Ranchi, it doesn’t feel like home. Sometimes you go to Eden, it doesn’t feel home. You go to Dharamsala, all of a sudden, it doesn’t feel [like] home,” he said, explaining how India’s diverse conditions require unique strategies compared to more homogeneous environments like Australia.
Besides the bowling, Rohit was full of praise for Rishabh Pant, who made a triumphant return to Test cricket with a century. Pant had been sidelined from the format for 14 consecutive Tests following injuries from a car crash in December 2022. “He’s been through some really tough times,” Rohit acknowledged, praising Pant’s resilience and his impactful performance upon return. Pant’s comeback journey included a stint in the IPL and an impressive World Cup, preparing him well for the Test match.
“For us, it was never about what he is going to do with the bat, we always knew what he had with the bat and with the gloves as well. It was just about giving him the game time,” Rohit shared. Pant’s commitment was evident as he played in the Duleep Trophy to fine-tune his skills ahead of the Test, making an immediate impact on the game.
As India eyes future engagements, this emphatic Test win underscores a balanced team dynamic built on a synergy of batting prowess and a formidable, adaptable bowling attack. Rohit’s clear vision of constructing a team around strong bowling options, irrespective of domestic or international venues, reflects a strategic depth aimed at sustained success. The formidable performance in Chennai is a robust reaffirmation of this philosophy, promising more exciting cricket ahead.