Watch: Rohit Sharma sets ultra-aggressive field for Mushfiqur Rahim

Rohit Sharma sets ultra-aggressive field for Mushfiqur Rahim. (Source – Twitter/X)

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma put up an ultra-aggressive field during Bangladesh’s first innings of the first Test at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. The match saw the hosts post a formidable first innings total of 376 thanks to a brilliant 113 from R Ashwin and a solid 86 from Ravindra Jadeja. The duo’s 199-run partnership put India in a commanding position. Hasan Mahmud’s five-wicket haul was the only notable performance from the visitors in the first innings.

Bangladesh had a poor start as they found themselves in deep trouble early on, losing wickets in quick succession. The turning point came when pacer Akash Deep, riding high on his Duleep Trophy form, struck twice in two balls, dismissing Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque. It was at this moment that the Indian skipper pulled out a tactical masterstroke.

As Mushfiqur Rahim prepared to face the hat-trick ball, Rohit arranged an ultra-aggressive field, including four slips, a gully, and a leg gully, with all eleven fielders placed inside the circle.

Also Read: WATCH: Akash Deep strikes twice in two balls to rattle Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque’s stumps

India lead by 308 runs after the end of Day 2

Though Rahim managed to get away with the hattrick ball, Rohut’s aggressive strategy paid dividends as Bangladesh crumbled to 92/7 before being bowled out for a mere 149. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/50, well supported by Mohammed Siraj, Deep, and Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed two wickets each.

Opting not to impose the follow-on despite a 227-run lead, India’s second innings saw early setbacks with both Rohit and Virat Kohli departing cheaply. However, Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 33 steadied the ship, taking India to 81/3 at stumps on Day 2, extending the overall lead to 308 runs.