Sanjay Manjrekar Explains why Bangladesh bowlers Found it Tough to Counter R Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja orchestrated a remarkable recovery for India on Day 1 of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh, with both all-rounders delivering crucial knocks that left the visitors reeling. After India found themselves in deep trouble at 144-6, the duo staged an unbroken 195-run partnership for the seventh wicket, guiding the hosts to a strong total of 339-6 by stumps.

Ashwin, the local hero, was the star of the day, ending unbeaten on 102. His sixth Test century was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket, especially considering the situation India found themselves in after losing half their side for 144 runs. Partnering him was Jadeja, who provided invaluable support with a well-constructed 86 not out, just 14 runs shy of his fifth Test century.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, praised Ashwin’s batting abilities, pointing out how his unique style troubled the Bangladeshi bowlers. Manjrekar emphasized that Ashwin’s ability to play the ball late and with finesse turned the tide in India’s favour.

“The most important thing is Ashwin’s gift as a batter,” Manjrekar commented. “I see the bowlers being shell-shocked because they are bowling well – good lengths, right areas. Then, Ashwin comes in, and they do the same thing, and that ball gets punished for four. Not once, but three, four, five times. That puts them off.”

Manjrekar further highlighted Ashwin’s technical prowess, noting his preference for playing on the back foot and making late adjustments to deliveries. “He’s got such beautiful hands, plays the ball late. One of the very few flag-bearers of this generation who plays a lot on the back foot. All those things combined got us to witness a wonderful innings,” he added.

Ashwin’s century had both defensive grit and calculated aggression. The off-spinner smashed 10 boundaries and two sixes, punishing Bangladesh’s bowlers whenever they offered even a slight margin of error. His ability to hit good deliveries for boundaries disrupted the opposition’s rhythm, as they struggled to contain him in the final session.

Jadeja, on the other hand, was equally impressive. Manjrekar commended his growth as a Test batter, pointing out his consistency across conditions. “He’s been amazingly consistent with the bat over the last few years. Not just in India, he got a hundred in England as well. When you see him bat now, it seems like he has actually mastered his own approach to batting,” Manjrekar said.

Jadeja’s contribution was critical, especially in blunting Bangladesh’s bowling attack in the latter stages of the day. Like Ashwin, he too hit 10 boundaries and two sixes, as the pair combined to score 163 runs in the final session, completely shifting the momentum in India’s favor.

With Ashwin at the crease alongside Jadeja, India will be looking to build on their strong position when play resumes on Day 2. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly and find a way to break the partnership if they hope to claw their way back into the match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.