Rohit Sharma's tactical acumen was on full display as he orchestrated a swift conclusion to the first Test against Bangladesh, leading India to a commanding 280-run victory. With a substantial lead of over 500 runs, India declared their second innings, a decision rooted in strategic discussions held during the match.
On the third day, post-lunch, India batted for an hour before Rohit called for a declaration. During this period, both Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill reached their centuries, fully aware that the declaration was imminent. This knowledge prompted them to adopt an aggressive batting approach, aiming to maximise the team's lead.
After the match, Pant disclosed the details of Rohit's plan. During the lunch break, the team deliberated on the declaration, with Rohit instructing them to score as many runs as possible within an hour. This directive led Pant to play with an attacking mindset, although he fell short of his ambitious target of 150 runs.
Pant, who had scored 39 runs in the first innings, made a remarkable comeback in the second innings with a century, marking his return to Test cricket after 632 days. Rohit lauded Pant's resilience and performance, acknowledging the challenging period Pant had endured. Despite these challenges, Pant had maintained his form, excelling in the IPL and performing admirably in the World Cup before returning to his preferred format. Rohit emphasised Pant's significant contributions both with the bat and behind the stumps, expressing unwavering confidence in his abilities.
In the Chennai Test, India posted a formidable total of 376 runs in their first innings. Despite the top order's struggles, Ravichandran Ashwin scored a crucial 113 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja added 86 runs. Bangladesh's pacer Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler, taking five wickets. In response, Bangladesh was bowled out for a mere 149 runs, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming four wickets.
In their second innings, India declared at 287 for 4, with Pant scoring 109 and Gill 119 runs. Chasing an imposing target of 515 runs, Bangladesh was bowled out for 234 runs, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring a valiant 82 runs. Ashwin's exceptional bowling performance, taking six wickets, sealed India's comprehensive victory.
Rohit's strategic decisions and the team's execution were pivotal in securing this dominant win, setting a strong tone for the series.
