India, propelled by stellar centuries from Rishabh Pant (109) and Shubman Gill (119*), declared their second innings at 287 for 4, setting an imposing target for Bangladesh to chase down at the Chepauk Stadium. This declaration left Bangladesh facing the daunting task of achieving a record-breaking target on a challenging pitch.

Bangladesh’s batting coach, David Hemp, while speaking after the end of Day 3, expressed a mix of cautious optimism and realism about the uphill battle his team faces. Bangladesh concluded the day at 158 for 4, requiring an improbable 357 more runs to reach the 515-run target set by India. Hemp acknowledged the improved performance of his side in the second innings but highlighted the formidable challenge posed by India’s world-class bowling attack on a pitch that still offers opportunities for both batters and bowlers.

“The key difference in our second innings was that our players spent more time at the crease, faced more balls, and built some runs,” Hemp noted. “Scoring remains our primary focus, but we were put to the test, especially around the stumps early in the innings, which posed significant challenges. We’re up against an Indian team brimming with confidence, especially on home turf, and they boast some exceptional bowlers, so we anticipate a tough day ahead.”

Najmul Hossain Shanto led Bangladesh’s resistance with an unbeaten 51 off 60 balls, showing resilience and determination. Alongside him, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan remained not out on 5 when bad light stopped play prematurely on September 21. The visitors are now left with a monumental task on Day 4.

Reflecting on the team’s first-innings struggles, Hemp admitted that Bangladesh missed a golden opportunity to build on their initial momentum. “We started well but couldn’t capitalize. While our players have the skills to face deliveries effectively, India’s bowlers targeted the stumps efficiently in the first innings, leading to our downfall,” he explained.

India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, have consistently troubled Bangladeshi batters throughout the match. Bumrah claimed Zakir Hasan’s wicket for 33, whereas Ashwin took three crucial wickets: Shadman Islam (35), Mominul Haque (13), and Mushfiqur Rahim (13). Their combined efforts have kept India in a dominant position.

Despite the uphill battle, Hemp remains hopeful about his team’s prospects, noting that the Chepauk pitch still offers opportunities for batting. “The surface is still reasonable for batting. We saw Ashwin extract some bounce today, but if you miss, you can still score. So, for us tomorrow, it’s about continuing to bat well and stay focused. There’s still hope,” Hemp concluded.

Concerns were raised over Shakib Al Hasan’s lack of wickets in this Test match, but Hemp dismissed any speculation regarding an injury to the star all-rounder. “To my knowledge, Shakib is not dealing with any injuries,” he clarified.

Bangladesh’s batters must exhibit significant resolve and determination on Day 4 to keep their slim chances alive in this Test match. However, with India’s bowlers in top form and a massive target to chase, the challenge remains immense and will test every facet of Bangladesh’s batting lineup.