India’s return to Test cricket got off to a rocky start on the first day of the match against Bangladesh in Chennai. Batting first on a pitch that surprisingly suited pace bowling, India’s much-lauded top order struggled against the pressure, particularly from young pacer Hasan Mahmud. Gill gone and India 2 down early!!! And the arrival of King Kohli🔥 #INDvBAN pic.
twitter.com/mBDlVR09dC — Sports Fever (@sports_fever24) September 19, 2024 At just 24 years old and in only his fourth Test, Mahmud quickly made his mark. Taking full advantage of the overcast conditions, he became the standout performer for Bangladesh, dismissing key Indian batsmen in quick succession.
Captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli all fell before lunch, casting a shadow over India’s innings. Mahmud’s bowling was a lesson in discipline. He first targeted Rohit, drawing him into a risky poke outside off-stump.
In the sixth over, he managed to catch the edge of Rohit’s bat, with Najmul Hossain Shanto taking a sharp catch at slip. Rohit’s early dismissal for just six runs was a significant blow to the team’s morale. The situation worsened when Shubman Gill, fresh off a stint leading India A in the Duleep Trophy, fell without scoring.
Misjudging a leg-side delivery from Mahmud, Gill tried to guide the ball down to fine leg but instead edged it to wicketkeeper Litton Das. His failure added to India’s mounting troubles. Virat Kohli Gone For 6 😢 India in a spot of bother now 😮 34-3 What a spell from Hasan Mahmud - Took all 3 Wickets 👏👏 #IndVsBan #INDvBAN #Cricket #ViratKohli𓃵 #RohitSharma𓃵 #ShubmanGill pic.
twitter.com/QaRe09edqz — Sports Geek (@a_common_fan) September 19, 2024 KING KOHLI IS OUT! -He was looking solid. #INDvBAN #IndVsBan #TeamIndia #ViratKohli pic.
twitter.com/kuK2yq86oZ — Inside out (@INSIDDE_OUT) September 19, 2024 Virat Kohli 💔🥺 #ViratKohli𓃵 #IndVsBan pic.twitter.
com/u2LRGczmTq — SUKHMEET KUMAR ❤️😍 (@SukhmeetKumar12) September 19, 2024 Virat Kohli, making his Test return after a year away, looked determined to make an impact. He played some beautiful shots, particularly on the leg side, but his old nemesis- deliveries outside off-stump- came back to haunt him. Mahmud maintained a tight line, enticing Kohli into a risky cover drive that resulted in another edge, caught by Das.
With three key wickets down before lunch, India found itself in a precarious position. Bangladesh, buoyed by their recent 2-0 series win against Pakistan, seemed to be in control. Their bowlers, especially Mahmud, took full advantage of the conditions, showcasing the skill and discipline that had defined their recent success.
As the Indian batting lineup struggled, the pressure grew, leaving fans anxious for a turnaround in the afternoon session. The first day in Chennai revealed both the vulnerabilities of India’s batting lineup and the rising strength of Bangladesh’s attack. With their backs against the wall, India will need to dig deep and regroup if they hope to recover from this shaky start and set a competitive total.
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