In a frustrating start to India's first Test match against Bangladesh at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, captain Rohit Sharma's early dismissal for just six runs triggered a significant backlash from fans. Rohit, who has historically struggled against Bangladesh, was the first Indian wicket to fall on the opening day. After facing 19 deliveries, he was caught at slip by Najmul Hossain Shanto off the bowling of Hasan Mahmud. This dismissal left India in a precarious position at 34/3 by the 10th over.
Bangladesh's young pacer, Hasan Mahmud, was the standout performer of the early session. Mahmud claimed all three of India’s wickets that fell before lunch, showcasing his exceptional skills and precision. He had the opportunity to dismiss Rohit earlier, but an umpire’s call on a leg-before wicket (LBW) decision saved the Indian captain. Rohit’s reprieve was short-lived, as Mahmud soon delivered an outswinger that Rohit nicked to the slip cordon, marking his departure.
This early wicket has added to Rohit’s ongoing struggles against Bangladesh, with his Test average against them now falling to 9.75—the lowest among all his opponents in Test cricket. The underwhelming performance has led to a wave of criticism from fans on social media, with many expressing their frustration and even calling for Rohit to retire or step down. The early dismissals have put additional pressure on the Indian batting lineup, highlighting the need for a strong recovery as they attempt to stabilize the innings and build a competitive score.
