The first Test between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has been a rollercoaster for Bangladesh, as they are crumbling under India’s intense bowling pressure. Jasprit Bumrah, returning from a long injury layoff, has been in devastating form, adding another feather to his cap when Litton Das drove one for four runs, bringing the score to 48/5 at 14.1 overs. However, despite this brief moment of resistance, Bangladesh is in a perilous situation, struggling to find stability in their innings.
India’s Dominance with the Ball
India’s bowlers have been in complete control from the start of Bangladesh’s innings. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj led the charge, troubling the top-order with pace and accuracy. Bangladesh had no answers to Bumrah’s swing and Siraj’s relentless line and length. By the time the scoreboard reached 14 overs, half of Bangladesh’s side was already back in the dressing room, and the team was struggling at 48/5.
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to form has been the highlight of the match so far. Known for his ability to generate movement both ways and deliver yorkers with pinpoint accuracy, Bumrah has looked unstoppable. Bangladesh’s top order, including star players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, were unable to handle the pace and swing that Bumrah produced, leaving the visitors in tatters. Bumrah’s pace was complimented by Mohammed Siraj, who has developed into one of India’s most reliable fast bowlers in all formats of the game.
Litton Das Tries to Counterattack
One of the few bright spots for Bangladesh in this innings has been Litton Das. Known for his attacking style, Litton has been trying to counterattack the Indian bowlers in an effort to shift the pressure back onto the hosts. In the 15th over, he showed his intent when he managed to find the gap for a boundary off Bumrah. While the shot demonstrated his skill, the task ahead remains daunting as the team is still far from safety. With five wickets already lost, the responsibility on Litton’s shoulders is immense, and Bangladesh will need a significant innings from him to have any hope of posting a competitive total.
However, with the pitch offering considerable assistance to India’s bowlers, Litton has his work cut out for him. India’s spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, are yet to be fully introduced into the attack, and considering the conditions in Chennai, their role will likely be crucial in breaking through any lower-order resistance from Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Struggles Against India’s Bowlers
This Test has showcased Bangladesh’s struggles in handling India’s bowling attack, particularly on subcontinent wickets. The nature of the pitch at Chennai is known to assist spinners, but the seamers have found early success with movement off the surface and through the air. Bangladesh’s top order, usually reliant on partnerships between Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim, has failed to deliver on this occasion. Both experienced batters were dismissed cheaply, compounding the visitors’ problems.
Bangladesh’s collapse is indicative of a larger issue that has plagued the team in recent times—an inability to withstand pressure against world-class bowlers in challenging conditions. Their recent success against other nations has often relied on familiar conditions or weaker opposition. However, facing a strong Indian lineup, especially in Indian conditions, has once again highlighted their fragility against high-quality seam and spin attacks.
The Road Ahead for Bangladesh
At 48/5, Bangladesh’s chances of a recovery look slim, but cricket is a game of uncertainties, and all eyes will be on Litton Das and the lower order to see if they can rescue the team from this precarious situation. Bangladesh’s middle and lower order, including players like Mehidy Hasan and Taskin Ahmed, will need to play with immense grit and determination to prevent a complete collapse.
India, on the other hand, will be keen to wrap up the innings quickly. With Ashwin and Jadeja waiting to exploit the spin-friendly conditions, it seems likely that India will continue to press home their advantage. The Indian fielders, too, have been sharp, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill making key contributions to ensure that any half-chances are converted into wickets.
India’s Bowling Depth Shines
India’s bowling depth continues to be their strength, with players like Bumrah and Siraj leading the charge and spinners Ashwin and Jadeja waiting to make an impact. The addition of Akash Deep, a promising fast bowler, has further strengthened their lineup, providing India with multiple options to attack both the top and lower order of Bangladesh.
As the match progresses, the focus will shift to how India capitalizes on this dominant position. Their bowlers will look to wrap up the Bangladeshi innings swiftly and possibly enforce a follow-on. If Bangladesh does not improve its performance soon, the Test could end in a one-sided affair, with India taking a commanding lead in the series.