On the opening day of the first Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai, Ravichandran Ashwin provided a crucial boost for India with a standout performance that caught the eye of head coach Gautam Gambhir. With India in a precarious position at 144 for six, Ashwin's entry to the crease was met with enthusiastic support from the crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) on September 19.
Ashwin, a seasoned player with five Test centuries to his name, quickly made an impact. On just his second ball, he struck a boundary, setting the tone for his innings. However, it was his performance on the last ball of the same over from Bangladesh's pace sensation Nahid Rana that truly stole the show. Despite Rana's aggressive pace and recent success in dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal (56), the delivery was slightly wide. Ashwin took full advantage, executing a spectacular slap shot through the point for a magnificent four.
This impressive stroke not only demonstrated Ashwin's skill and experience but also left even the experienced Gambhir astonished. The shot was a testament to Ashwin's ability to handle pressure and his sharp cricketing acumen, adding a valuable contribution to India's innings on a challenging day.
