Indian skipper Rohit Sharma lauded the depth and versatility of his bowling unit following India’s emphatic 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test held in Chennai. Despite a hiatus of six months from the format, India seamlessly adapted and found multiple pathways to success across both innings. In the first innings, led by the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, the fast bowlers outclassed the visitors, dismissing them for a mere 149 runs. The second innings saw R. Ashwin stealing the show, adding a spectacular six-wicket haul to his first-innings feat of scoring a century.
“No matter what the conditions are, whether we play in India or abroad, we want to build the team around our bowling,” Rohit declared after the match. “Whatever the conditions have to offer, we must be ready for it. Over the past few years, regardless of where we’ve played, we’ve managed to include that versatility in our arsenal, whether it’s seam or spin options. You have to credit the guys; whenever there is responsibility, they never shy away from it and always rise to the occasion to deliver for the team.”
The red-soil wicket at Chennai posed a distinct challenge for bowlers, offering good pace and bounce over the initial two days of the Test. Spinners, who managed only five of the first 24 wickets, had to strategize before turn and bounce became more prominent on the final day. While Rohit emphasized the importance of patience with both bat and ball, Ashwin provided a detailed analysis of the pitch’s unique characteristics.
“Even if you bowl good balls on this pitch, you’ll go for runs because the bounce is quite daunting,” Ashwin explained. “We’ve lost a lot of red soil pitches over the years, a key component in India’s Test cricket. The beauty of red soil is that when you apply spin, it responds with bounce, even if you get hit sometimes.
. You play on certain black clay surfaces around the country, it often feels like you’re working twice as hard for minimal results. It’s a significant learning curve to understand and adapt to these differences.”
Reflecting on the diversity of conditions across India, Ashwin continued to discuss the varying nature of soils and climates in different regions. “People sometimes lump all of India together, but it’s essential to understand that it’s incredibly diverse. Playing in Ranchi or Dharamsala can feel like a completely foreign soil. The surfaces and conditions vary significantly at different times of the year compared to a country like Australia, where certain venues are staples for specific matches. The dynamics change, requiring us to adapt constantly.”
In addition to praising the bowlers, Rohit also commended Rishabh Pant, who made a sensational return to the format with a century after missing 14 consecutive Tests due to injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022. “He’s been through some really tough times, and the way he has managed himself through those was superb to watch,” Rohit remarked. “He came back in the IPL, followed by a very successful World Cup, and this is the format he loves the most.
“For us, it was never a question of his abilities with the bat; we always trusted his talent. It was just about giving him the necessary game time. Full credit to him, he even participated in the Duleep Trophy to get ready for this Test, and his impact on the game was immediate.”
The Indian team demonstrated resolute strategic adaptation and strength, underlining Rohit Sharma’s vision of a team built around a versatile and dynamic bowling unit. The victory not only showcased India’s depth in both pace and spin bowling but also highlighted their ability to meet diverse challenges head-on, setting the tone for future contests in the series.