R Ashwin scored his sixth Test century in India’s first Test against Bangladesh, helping India recover to 339/6 at stumps on Day 1.
As the Indian cricket team competed Bangladesh in the first Test at M Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, the air was thick with expectancy. Though the top-order heavyweights of India expected great performances, what they received was rather different. India’s best off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, flipped the game on its head and demonstrated once more that he is a force to consider with the bat rather than only a master with the ball.
R Ashwin’s 6th Test Century: A Display of Grit and Grace
Standing strong on Day 1, R Ashwin struck his sixth Test century—a feat not just amazing but also rather important considering the game. This century versus Bangladesh was not just another milestone but also his first against this specific opposition and, most importantly, his second consecutive century at the famous Chepauk venue. For R Ashwin, the Chidambaram Stadium represents more than just another arena. It is home. And once more, home clearly produced some magic. His last century at this stadium was against England in 2021, the last time India conducted a Test match in Chennai.
Roads leading to that sixth century were not the most straight-forward. R Ashwin struggled valiantly against a challenging bowling attack. His 102* came off 108 balls with two strong sixes and ten magnificent fours. Though crammed with intention, the images were graceful. It was about accuracy, technique, and a fierce will to see his squad emerge from the ashes—not about physical power. His century also highlighted his capacity for surface and scenario adaptation, a quality that defines cricketing excellence.
Joins an Elite Club: 1000 Runs and 100 Wickets
Ashwin became only the second player in the world to reach the unusual double—amassing over 1000 runs in Test cricket while also collecting more than 100 wickets—add to the dignity of his sixth hundred. R Ashwin joins his Indian colleague Ravindra Jadeja, who was formerly the only cricketer to reach this mark, in rare company. R Ashwin is redefining what an all-rounder can bring to a Test match with every game that goes by, and this performance was still another evidence of his unrivaled adaptability.
Ashwin’s Reflections at Stumps on Day 1
Ashwin stood tall at 102*, with India at 339/6, as the daily play at last stopped. R Ashwin couldn’t keep his excitement under control when he spoke with Cricbuzz at the end of Day 1. As he noted, “It’s always a special feeling to play in front of the home crowd.” His relationship with the Chepauk pitch was clear. I totally enjoy playing cricket on this ground. It has produced a great number of fantastic recollections. As he remembered his previous century at the same place, under Ravi Shastri’s coaching, the tone of his voice expressed both nostalgia and pride.
Ashwin also attributed his current performance to his intensive batting concentration in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). He said straight forwardly that he always “wafting his bat around outside off-stump,” but he had worked hard to fix that. Referring to Rishabh Pant’s aggressive batting approach, he said, “on a surface like this, with a bit of spice, if you’re going after the ball, might as well go after it really hard, like Rishabh does.”
Speaking in a generally contemplative tone, R Ashwin discussed the special quality of the Chennai pitch and its bounce and carry, which let him play a range of strokes. He also praised Ravindra Jadeja for helping him get through a difficult period during the innings, saying his keen cricket sense kept him concentrated as tired started to set in. “Jaddu has been one of our best batters for our team in the last few years,” Ashwin said, stressing the vital part his colleague performed in their team.
India’s Top Order Crumbles: Bangladesh Dominates Early
India’s innings was first in ruins, even while R Ashwin and Jadeja fulfilled the duty of the saviour. Lead by Hasan Mahmud and backed by Nahid Rana and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh’s bowling attack destroyed India’s top order. Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Skipper Rohit Sharma all dropped short, putting India in a vulnerable state.
Early shocks rocked the Indian camp from Rohit’s departure for just six runs to Gill’s duck. The melancholy was exacerbated by Virat Kohli’s brief visit to the crease (6 off 10), and the inability of experienced campaigner KL Rahul to calm the ship leaving for 16. India had plummeted to 144/6 by the time R Ashwin and Jadeja set foot on the field, and the Bangladesh bowlers appeared ready to tidy the tail.
Ravichandran Ashwin-Jadeja Stand: A Partnership of Experience and Strategy
Still, the narrative changed the minute Ashwin and Jadeja teamed up. They analyzed the Bangladesh attack, rapidly read the conditions, and batted with a serenity that betrayed the circumstances. For Ashwin, it was about thriving under pressure rather than only survival. Along with Jadeja, he helped India recover their innings, transforming a dangerous scenario into one of relative steadiness at the close of Day 1.
Jadeja also was not less remarkable. Although Ashwin dominated with his century, Jadeja made equally important contribution. His 86* supplied the spine India sorely needed. India had clawed its way back into the game by the end of 80 overs, sitting at a far better 339/6 thanks to the great cooperation of the pair.
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Looking Ahead: Day 2’s Prospects
Ashwin and Jadeja will be seeking to expand on their unbroken record as India enters Day 2. Bangladesh will be similarly keen to end the Indian innings early and seize advantage from their early ball success. The scenario is set for an amazing second day with R Ashwin already in fine form and Jadeja almost at his century.
Ultimately, Ravichandran Ashwin gave a masterclass in Test cricket—resilient, smart, and sophisticated. Against all the challenges, his century tells volumes about his development as a cricket player. One thing is certain as the game goes on: Chepauk will be inscribed in Indian cricketing history as evidence of R Ashwin’s brilliance with the bat and the ball.
