CHENNAI: On the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh, Ravichandran Ashwin, with crucial support from Ravindra Jadeja, played a key role in reviving India’s innings.

The Tamil Nadu all-rounder showcased his batting prowess by scoring an unbeaten 102 off 112 balls. Alongside Jadeja, who remained not out on 86, Ashwin propelled India to a formidable 339/6 in 80 overs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

India’s innings began on a shaky note, with early dismissals of their top three batsmen – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli – leaving the team struggling at 34 runs. Ashwin’s entry at the crease marked a significant turnaround. His sixth Test century came with a single off Shakib Al Hasan, much to the delight of the home crowd.

“Playing in front of my home crowd always feels special. This ground holds many cherished memories for me. Scoring a century here is particularly meaningful. I’ve been honing my batting skills since returning from the TNPL, which has certainly helped. I’ve worked on my technique, especially my tendency to play outside the off-stump. On a surface with some spice like this one, you have to commit fully to your shots, much like Rishabh Pant does,” Ashwin reflected after the day’s play.

The unbroken partnership between Ashwin and Jadeja for the seventh wicket was instrumental in India’s recovery from a precarious 144 for 6. Their collaboration yielded 195 runs off 227 balls.

Both batsmen exhibited judicious shot selection, effectively countering the Bangladeshi pace attack while accumulating runs against the spinners. A particularly thrilling moment for the crowd came when Ashwin executed an aggressive slog sweep for a six off Shakib.

At 38, Ashwin utilized his height advantage adeptly against Bangladesh’s fast bowlers and acknowledged Jadeja’s valuable guidance throughout their partnership.