India Vs Bangladesh 2nd Test, Day 4: Analysis

The fourth day of the 2nd Test match between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur showcased a dominant performance by the hosts, who completely annihilated the visitors with a spirited display of bowling and aggressive batting. The day started with bright sunshine, a stark contrast to the previous two days, allowing both teams to begin play on time.

Morning Session: India Strikes Early

India opened the bowling with Akashdeep and Jasprit Bumrah. Both bowlers immediately troubled Bangladesh’s batters, with Bumrah dismissing Mushfiqur Rahim early in the day. Rahim had survived a close call the previous ball, edging Bumrah past the leg stump for a boundary, but on the very next delivery, he misjudged a ball that jagged back sharply, brushing the off-stump and sending him back to the pavilion.

Litton Das came to the crease ahead of Shakib Al Hasan, showing intent by hitting Bumrah for three boundaries in one over. India soon brought Mohammad Siraj into the attack, replacing Akashdeep, which led to Mominul Haque's dismissal. Siraj bowled a good-length ball that struck Mominul’s thigh, and despite an initial appeal, the decision was overturned on review.

Litton Das, who looked settled at the crease, soon fell to Siraj. He attempted to hit a delivery over mid-on but was brilliantly caught by Rohit Sharma at mid-field. This dismissal was a turning point, with India seizing control.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s Impact

After 20 overs, Ravichandran Ashwin was introduced into the attack. Facing two left-handed batsmen, Ashwin’s entry provided India with an immediate breakthrough. Shakib Al Hasan, who had earlier hit Ashwin for a boundary, attempted a similar shot but misjudged the ball, leading to his dismissal as Mohammad Siraj took an excellent catch.

Mominul Haque continued to anchor Bangladesh’s innings, scoring his 13th Test century, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz supported him till lunch. At the break, Bangladesh were 205-6, with India needing just four more wickets.

Afternoon Session: Bumrah Shines, Tail Collapses

After lunch, Mominul and Mehidy built a solid partnership, adding over 50 runs. However, Bumrah’s persistence paid off as he dismissed Mehidy, who edged a delivery to Shubman Gill at slip. This wicket triggered a collapse in the Bangladeshi tail.

Bumrah trapped Taijul Islam with a sharp delivery, Siraj dismissed Hasan, and Ravindra Jadeja claimed his 300th Test wicket, ending Bangladesh’s innings at 233. Mominul Haque remained unbeaten at 107, while Bumrah finished with three wickets, supported by Siraj, Ashwin, Akashdeep, and Jadeja.

India's Aggressive Reply

India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, came out with an aggressive mindset, quickly pushing the run rate. Jaiswal hit Hasan Mahmud for three consecutive boundaries, while Rohit started his innings with two sixes. India raced past the 50-run mark in just three overs.

However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided some respite for Bangladesh, dismissing Rohit with a delivery that turned sharply past his defenses. Shubman Gill joined Jaiswal at the crease, with the pair continuing to dominate Bangladesh’s spinners. Jaiswal brought up his sixth Test fifty before falling to a low ball from Hasan.

India sent Rishabh Pant ahead of Virat Kohli, showcasing their aggressive intent. At tea, India were 138-2, with Gill and Pant at the crease.

Evening Session: Shakib Strikes Back

The post-tea session saw India lose both set batters, Gill and Pant, to Shakib Al Hasan. Both attempted to clear the boundary but were caught at long-on and long-off, respectively. At 159-4, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul took charge, ensuring India maintained a steady run rate.

Kohli, batting at number five, added 87 runs for the fifth wicket with Rahul. He fell three runs short of a milestone, but Rahul completed his half-century. India’s innings was eventually declared at 285-9, giving them a lead of 52 runs.

Bangladesh’s Struggle Continues

With just under an hour left in the day, Bangladesh’s openers returned to the crease. Jasprit Bumrah’s opening spell was negotiated successfully, but Ashwin struck twice, dismissing Zakir Hasan and night-watchman Hasan Mahmud. At the close of play, Bangladesh were 26-2, still trailing India by 26 runs.

Conclusion

India’s aggressive intent and brilliant bowling have turned the match in their favor, taking them from a position where a draw seemed likely to one where they are poised for victory. With two more days to go, the Indian team will look to capitalize on their momentum and secure a win against Bangladesh.

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By- Swastik Sharma

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