Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 20 (ANI): Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma once again struggled against Bangladesh, registering low scores in the first Test at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Rohit, known as the ‘Hitman’ for his explosive batting, managed only six and five runs in his two innings, marking just the fourth time in his career that he has failed to score in double digits in both innings of a Test match.

In his limited appearances against Bangladesh, Rohit has had a difficult time. In four Tests and five innings, he has accumulated a mere 44 runs at an average of 8.80, with his highest score being just 21. These numbers are particularly striking when compared to his overall performance against Bangladesh in all formats. Across 34 matches and 35 innings, Rohit has scored 1,307 runs at an average of 40.84, with three centuries and eight fifties, his top score being a commanding 137.

In the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship, Rohit has shown better form, amassing 711 runs at an average of 41.82, which includes three centuries and three fifties. His highest score in this championship is 131.

The match saw Bangladesh winning the toss and opting to field first. India’s top-order faced a major collapse, finding themselves at a precarious 34/3. However, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal provided some stability with a gritty 56 off 118 balls, featuring nine boundaries. He was supported by Rishabh Pant who scored a quickfire 39 off 52 balls, including six fours. Their partnership of 62 runs for the fourth wicket brought some relief to the Indian side.

When India was reeling at 144/6, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja came to the rescue. Ashwin played a brilliant knock of 113 runs off 133 balls, adorned with 11 boundaries and two sixes, while Jadeja remained unbeaten on 86 off 117 balls with ten fours and two sixes. Their monumental 199-run partnership helped India post a competitive total of 376 runs in 91.2 overs.

For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud shone with the ball, taking five wickets for 83 runs and dismantling the Indian top order by dismissing key players like Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6). Taskin Ahmed also contributed by claiming three wickets for 55 runs.

In their first innings, Bangladesh struggled to maintain any significant momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Shakib Al Hasan (32), Litton Das (22), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (27*) showed some resistance but could not withstand the bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, who took four wickets for 50 runs. Akash Deep supported him well with figures of 2/19. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with two wickets each.

At the close of day three, India stood at 81/3 in their second innings. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 33, while Rishabh Pant was on 12*. India lost their top order early once again, with Rohit Sharma scoring only five runs, Yashasvi Jaiswal ten, and Virat Kohli seventeen. India now leads by 308 runs.