Thu Sep 19 17:08:25 UTC 2024: ## Ashwin and Jadeja Rescue India on Day 1 of Chennai Test
**Chennai:** A resilient partnership between veteran all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja saved India from a disastrous start on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. After a top-order collapse saw India slump to 3/3 within the opening hour, the duo combined for an unbeaten 195-run stand for the seventh wicket, guiding India to a respectable 339/6 at stumps.
Bangladesh, who elected to field first under overcast conditions, got off to a flying start thanks to a fiery spell from Hasan Mahmud. He dismissed captain Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (0) in quick succession, leaving India reeling early on.
Despite a brief respite with a 50-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, Bangladesh picked up three more wickets after lunch, leaving India precariously placed at 144/6. However, the seasoned duo of Ashwin and Jadeja, who celebrated his 38th birthday two days prior, took control of the situation.
Ashwin, who could be playing his last Test at his home ground, unleashed a barrage of boundaries, reaching his sixth Test century in style. Jadeja joined the party, smashing a half-century as the pair continued to frustrate the Bangladesh bowlers.
Fans on social media were quick to point out the stark contrast between the somber mood of the Indian dressing room during the top-order collapse and the boisterous celebration of Ashwin and Jadeja’s heroic stand. Images of Kohli and Gill laughing with head coach Gautam Gambhir during the partnership sparked controversy, as many questioned their apparent lack of focus while the team was battling adversity.
Despite the controversy, Ashwin and Jadeja’s partnership was a defining moment of Day 1, rescuing India from the brink of disaster and setting the stage for an intriguing contest in the remaining days of the match.
First Piper 