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

Rohit’s record against Bangladesh in Tests has been particularly dismal. Over four Tests and five innings, he has accumulated only 44 runs at an average of 8.80, with his highest score being a mere 21 runs. This contrasts sharply with his overall performance against Bangladesh across all formats, where he has scored 1,307 runs in 34 matches and 35 innings, averaging 40.84. His highest score in these encounters is an impressive 137 runs, including three centuries and eight fifties.

In the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship, Rohit has been more consistent, scoring 711 runs at an average of 41.82. His contributions include three centuries and three fifties, with his best score being 131. However, his recent form against Bangladesh raises concerns.

The first Test saw Bangladesh winning the toss and opting to field. India’s top-order crumbled early, finding themselves at 34/3. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed a resilient 56 off 118 balls, featuring nine boundaries, while Rishabh Pant added a quick 39 from 52 balls with six fours. Their partnership of 62 runs for the fourth wicket helped India regain some stability.

After India was reduced to 144/6, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja formed a formidable partnership. Ashwin scored a magnificent 113 off 133 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. Jadeja remained unbeaten on 86 from 117 balls, with ten fours and two sixes. Their combined effort of a 199-run partnership propelled India to a total of 376 in 91.2 overs.

Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud emerged as the standout bowler, taking five wickets for 83 runs and dismantling India’s top order by dismissing Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6). Taskin Ahmed also contributed significantly, claiming three wickets for 55 runs.

In response, Bangladesh faced regular setbacks during their first innings. Although Shakib Al Hasan (32), Litton Das (22), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (27*) showed some resistance, Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) and Akash Deep (2/19) led a robust attack. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja each took two wickets, effectively breaking the back of Bangladesh’s batting lineup.

By the end of day three, India stood at 81/3, with Shubman Gill unbeaten on 33* and Rishabh Pant on 12*. The Indian team had lost key players early, including Rohit (5), Jaiswal (10), and Virat (17). As India leads by 308 runs, they remain in a commanding position going into the final days of the Test match.