Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 19 (ANI): Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik expressed immense joy and admiration for Ravichandran Ashwin following his remarkable performance against Bangladesh on the first day of the Chennai Test.

At the close of play on day one, Ashwin remained undefeated at the crease, having scored an impressive 102 runs off 112 balls, boasting a striking rate of 91.07. His innings were adorned with 10 boundaries and 2 towering sixes, showcasing his prowess and resilience.

Taking to his official X handle, Karthik lauded Ashwin as one of India’s finest all-rounders. “Stand up and applaud for one of the greatest all-rounders from our soil. Well done @ashwinravi99. Couldn’t be happier for you, bringing up his century in his home ground yet again,” Karthik wrote on X.

In a critical moment, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first in the opening match of the two-match series against India. The decision seemed to pay off initially as India’s top order faltered, leaving the team in a precarious position at 34/3. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal provided some resistance with a diligent 56 runs off 118 balls, including nine fours, while Rishabh Pant contributed a quick-fire 39 off 52 balls, adorned with six boundaries. Together, they forged a vital 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, giving India a glimmer of hope.

However, the struggle continued as India found themselves reduced to 144/6. It was then that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja (unbeaten on 86 from 117 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes) came together to stitch an extraordinary unbeaten 195-run partnership. Their efforts lifted India to a more respectable score of 339/6 by stumps.

Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler, wreaking havoc on India’s top order with figures of 4/58. His scalps included the prized wickets of skipper Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6).

Bangladesh’s Playing XI consisted of: Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (Wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana.

India’s Playing XI featured: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (Wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj. (ANI)