IND vs BAN: R Ashwin Slams Fastest Test Century, Revives Team India at Chepauk

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IND vs BAN 1st Test: Ravichandran Ashwin, playing on his home ground at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, once again demonstrated his immense value to the Indian cricket team, this time with the bat and slammed his Test career's sixth century.

Known primarily for his bowling prowess, Ashwin has repeatedly shown that he is a more-than-capable lower-order batter, often stepping up when his team needs him most. Also Read: Ashwin-Jadeja create Multiple Records at Chepauk

IND vs BAN: R Ashwin Steals The Show With Bat

On Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh, Ashwin delivered a crucial knock that helped India recover from a precarious position after the top six batters were back in the dressing room inside 43 overs and just 144 runs on the board.

At a time when India desperately needed stability and runs, Ashwin stepped up. The "local boy" brought Chepauk to life with his counter-attacking play. Joining forces with fellow all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin launched an assault on Bangladesh's bowlers, turning the tide in India's favour.

He reached his half-century in just 58 balls, signalling a revival for the Indian innings. Ashwin's ability to counter-attack when the chips are down was on full display, and his innings put Bangladesh under immense pressure, forcing their bowlers to rethink their strategy.

The all-rounder then converted his half-century into a sensational ton and slammed his career's sixth hundred, and second in Chennai. The right-handed batter took just 109 deliveries, his fastest in Test cricket, to get to the triple-figure mark before stumps on the opening day.

Ashwin's knock was filled with smart shot selection, mixing aggression with cautious defence. His partnership with Jadeja stabilized India's innings and laid a solid foundation for the team to build upon. With Ashwin going past the fifty-run mark, he also ensured that India crossed the 250-run mark, a significant recovery from their earlier struggles.

However, he did not stop there and went on to convert his start into three figures. With a single off Shakib's delivery in the 78th over, Ashwin completed his sixth Test hundred. The hundred came off 105 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and two sixes.

The Tamil Nadu cricketer finished the day on 102* off 112 balls, leading an exceptional comeback from India. At Stumps on Day 1, his monumental effort has put the hosts in a commanding position at 339/6.

Ashwin's innings at Chepauk once again showcased his ability to contribute with the bat when the situation demands it. Known as one of the best all-rounders in Test cricket, Ashwin has repeatedly stepped up in pressure situations.

With six Test centuries to his name, Ashwin has proven time and again that he is more than just a bowler. His technique and temperament, especially in tricky situations, make him a valuable asset to the team's batting lineup.

IND vs BAN: Team India Under Trouble Early On

India returned to the Test cricket format with a full-strength squad to face a confident Bangladesh side, fresh off their historic series win in Pakistan. The Indian team, packed with its regular red-ball stars, was expected to dominate.

However, Bangladesh, riding high on momentum, put up a strong fight in the opening session of the Test. The tourists got off to an excellent start in the first session, causing trouble for India's top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal, standing firm amidst the early pressure, played a resilient knock and brought up his fifth Test half-century, taking 95 balls to reach the milestone.

However, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals, with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant both dismissed in the second session. Pant had earlier contributed a valuable 62-run partnership with Jaiswal for the fourth wicket, but his departure left India wobbling.