India’s dominance in Test cricket continues as the Men in Blue wrapped up a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second Test in Kanpur, securing the two-match Test series 2-0. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, chased down a modest target of 95 runs with ease, losing just three wickets along the way. This victory reaffirms India’s prowess in home conditions and adds another clean sweep to their illustrious record against Bangladesh.
Day One: Rain Halts Play After 35 Overs
The Kanpur Test kicked off with Bangladesh winning the toss and opting to bat first. The visitors put up a decent start, but rain interrupted proceedings on the very first day, allowing only 35 overs of play. Despite the weather disruptions, Bangladesh managed to score 233 runs in their first innings, which was a respectable total under difficult conditions. However, it was evident from the beginning that the match might be dictated by the stop-start nature of the rain-affected game.
India’s bowlers, led by the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah and the spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin, kept the Bangladeshi batsmen under pressure. Both bowlers shared three wickets apiece, with Bumrah’s lethal pace and Ashwin’s guile troubling the opposition. Bangladesh, despite some resistance from their middle order, couldn’t build momentum, allowing India to seize control of the match early on.
India’s First Innings: Rapid Batting Display
India’s response with the bat was swift and dominant. In just 34.4 overs, India racked up 285/9 before declaring their innings, putting them in the driver’s seat with a 52-run lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge with a brilliant 72 off 51 balls, smashing 12 boundaries and two sixes. Jaiswal’s aggressive innings was complemented by KL Rahul’s explosive 68 from 43 balls, making it clear that India was aiming for a quick declaration.
India’s strategy to accelerate the innings allowed them to take control of the match despite the rain delays. Contributions from captain Rohit Sharma (23), Virat Kohli (47), and Shubman Gill (29) further solidified India’s first-innings total. Rohit, as always, played with intent, hitting three massive sixes, while Kohli showcased his elegance with four boundaries and a six in his 35-ball stay at the crease.
Bangladesh’s Second Innings: Struggling to Stay Afloat
Coming into their second innings, Bangladesh was under immense pressure. Starting the day at 26/2, the visitors quickly fell apart, losing eight wickets for just 120 more runs, leaving them all out for a mere 146. Shadman Islam was the only bright spot in their batting line-up, scoring a valiant 50 off 101 balls, laced with ten boundaries.
However, the rest of the Bangladeshi batsmen failed to support him, with notable contributions coming from Mushfiqur Rahim (37) and Najmul Shanto (19). The Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah, Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, were relentless, each taking three wickets to further torment the Bangladeshi side. The visitors were eventually bowled out, leaving India with a small target of 95 runs to chase.
India’s Final Innings: A Comfortable Chase
India’s final innings was a mere formality as they needed just 95 runs to seal the series. However, Bangladesh did manage to take a few early wickets, with Rohit Sharma (8), Shubman Gill (6), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (51) falling to the Bangladeshi spinners. Mehdi Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam kept the contest alive briefly, taking two and one wickets respectively, but India’s victory was never in doubt.
Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant ensured that there were no further hiccups. Kohli, in his usual composed manner, finished unbeaten on 29, while Pant contributed four runs to see India home. Kohli’s partnership of 58 runs with Jaiswal for the third wicket laid the foundation for India’s comfortable win.
Records Tumble as India Clinch the Series
India’s performance in the Kanpur Test was a testament to their dominance in home conditions. Despite losing almost two full days to rain, India managed to break multiple records. In their first innings, India set a new benchmark for the fastest team scores at 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 runs in Test cricket. This record-breaking performance was a reflection of their aggressive approach, which allowed them to make up for lost time and still dominate the game.
This series win marks the fifth time India has clean-swept Bangladesh in a Test series consisting of two or more matches. Prior to this, India had achieved clean sweeps in 2004/05, 2009/10, 2019/20, and 2022/23. Additionally, this victory was India’s 37th clean sweep in Test cricket overall, showcasing their consistency and dominance in the longer format of the game.
Player Performances: Bowlers Shine, Batsmen Blaze
India’s bowling attack was the cornerstone of their success in this series. Jasprit Bumrah, with his express pace, and Ravichandran Ashwin, with his masterful spin, were the standout performers, taking three wickets each in both innings. Ravindra Jadeja was also a key figure, contributing with crucial breakthroughs, including his 300th Test wicket—a remarkable achievement for the all-rounder.
On the batting front, Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as a rising star with his fearless batting. His aggressive 51 in the second innings, combined with his 72 in the first innings, played a pivotal role in India’s success. Jaiswal’s ability to take on the opposition bowlers and maintain a high strike rate allowed India to keep the pressure on Bangladesh despite the weather delays.
What Lies Ahead for India
India’s victory over Bangladesh in the Kanpur Test extends their record of winning 18 consecutive Test series at home, a feat unmatched in modern cricket. This dominant display is a positive sign for India as they look forward to tougher challenges ahead, including the upcoming Test series against stronger opponents.
For Bangladesh, this series was a learning curve. Despite moments of resilience, they were outplayed in all departments. They will need to regroup and focus on building
a more competitive side to challenge top-tier teams like India.