In the highly anticipated India vs Bangladesh Test series at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a notable moment of Day 2 in the first Test match revolved around the longstanding ‘sledging history’ between Indian captain Virat Kohli and Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim. The commentary box buzzed with speculation when Mushfiqur came out to bat during the first innings. Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal hinted at potential on-field drama, recalling past interactions between the two players.

“Mushfiqur Rahim is batting, and Virat Kohli is in the slips. Watch out now. Keep an eye on them. They have quite the history,” remarked Tamim, drawing attention to the tension between the two cricketers.

Ravi Shastri, former India coach and commentator, seized the moment to add a bit of humor, asking, “What history?” To which Tamim cryptically replied, “Oh, you know, Ravi. You know what history I am talking about.”

Mushfiqur had previously mentioned that Kohli often engages in sledging whenever he comes out to bat against India. “Whenever I play against him, he always tries to sledge me every time I go in to bat because he is a really competitive guy and he doesn’t want to lose any cricket match. I really love that rivalry with him and the challenge that comes with facing him and India,” Rahim had explained, emphasizing the intense competitive spirit that defines their encounters.

The match itself saw India taking firm control as they extended their lead to 308 runs, thanks to a stellar performance by fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who helped bundle out Bangladesh for 149 runs on Friday. By stumps on Day 2, the hosts were 81-3 in their second innings. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 33, while wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was not out on 12.

Bangladesh’s bowlers did manage to strike early in India’s second innings. Taskin Ahmed dismissed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for just five runs, and pace bowler Nahid Rana got left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal caught behind for 10. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz also trapped Virat Kohli lbw for 17; a decision confirmed by Ultra-edge technology showing a spike on the bat’s inside edge—an error even Kohli didn’t spot.

In Bangladesh’s reply to India’s imposing first-innings total of 376, former skipper Shakib Al Hasan top-scored with a modest 32 before the visitors were dismissed in the final session of play.

As the series progresses, all eyes will be on these key players, not just for their cricketing skills but also for the personal rivalries that add an extra layer of intrigue to an already thrilling contest.