‘A great result considering what lies ahead’: Rohit Sharma eyes future as India defeat Bangladesh

Ravichandran Ashwin produced a match-winning performance as India secured a commanding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Test in Chennai, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Ashwin’s 6-88 decimated Bangladesh, who were bowled out for 234 while chasing a formidable target of 515.

“It was a great result considering what lies ahead for us,” said Rohit. “We’ve been out of action for a while, but you are never out of cricket. We arrived a week before, and we were focused on getting this result.”

Ashwin, who also contributed a crucial century in the first innings, was named ‘Man of the Match’ for his outstanding performances with both bat and ball. Rohit lauded the off-spinner’s consistent impact on the game. “He’s always there for us, whether with the ball or the bat. Every time you watch him, it’s a joy. He’s never out of the game,” Rohit remarked. Ashwin’s five-wicket haul and his batting prowess played pivotal roles in India’s comfortable win.

Reflecting on the team’s overall approach, Rohit highlighted the discipline and patience shown by the Indian players, especially on a testing red-soil pitch in Chennai. “Regardless of the conditions, we aim to build our team around that. Patience was key here. This was a pitch where we needed to stay patient, both with the bat and ball, to put them under pressure,” Rohit explained.

Bangladesh, who began day four on 158 for 4, put up some resistance through their captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who top-scored with 82. However, once Ashwin dismissed Shakib Al Hasan early on the fourth day, India quickly ran through the rest of the Bangladesh batting line-up. Ravindra Jadeja provided solid support with figures of 3-58, ensuring India wrapped up the win with more than five sessions to spare.

Rohit also praised the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who marked his comeback to Test cricket with a century in India’s second innings, following a near two-year absence from the format. “The way he’s managed himself has been excellent. He made a strong return during the IPL, followed by success in the World Cup, and this is the format he loves the most. It was about giving him the game time, and credit to him, he made an impact straightaway,” Rohit said.

India’s captain closed his remarks by highlighting the team’s hunger for success. “Over the last few years, wherever we’ve played, we’ve always had that fire in our armoury. You’ve got to give credit to the players – they consistently step up,” he concluded.