India returned to Test cricket with a series at home against a buoyant Bangladesh side, who are riding high on their historic series win in Pakistan just before this. India have come up with a full-strength squad for the first Test, with all of their regular red-ball stars featuring in it.

Bangladesh got off to a good start in the opening session of the first Test against India at the Chepauk Stadium but Yashasvi Jaiswal and the returning Rishabh Pant powered a remarkable recovery from the hosts to leave them at 88/3 in 23 overs after Lunch. India had lost Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli within the first 10 overs of their innings, with pacer Hasan Mahmud taking all three wickets after Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bowl first. Pant joined Jaiswal in the middle with the score reading 34/3 and shut up shop. Eventually, the pair started going on the attack towards the end of the session and helped India go into Lunch with the momentum on their side.

Early Wickets for Bangladesh

The first hour of play belonged to Bangladesh. Hasan Mahmud, the young fast bowler who shone in the Pakistan series, exploited the movement on offer in the overcast conditions. He bowled a fiery spell, getting Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill out for ducks in the first seven overs. This early success left India reeling at 14/2.

Kohli, returning to the Indian Test side for the first time since January this year, began his innings with a few authoritative shots, seemingly intent on taking the attack to the opposition. He played some elegant strokes on the leg side, including his signature flick, signalling his intent to impose himself on the bowlers.

However, Kohli’s well-documented struggles against deliveries outside off-stump came back to haunt him. Mahmud, staying disciplined with his line, tempted Kohli into a cover drive, and the Indian great edged the ball to Litton Das, leaving India in deeper trouble at 34/3.

Jaiswal's Steady Hand

Jaiswal, who had already shown his resilience against England earlier this year, again played a crucial role in steadying the ship. He batted with immense patience and composure, reaching his fifth Test half-century in 95 balls. His innings were a blend of grit and determination, playing out the difficult spells and then punishing the loose deliveries.

Pant's Resurgence

Pant, playing his first Test since his serious car accident in December 2022, looked in good form. He joined Jaiswal in the middle with India in a precarious position, and the two put on a valuable 62-run stand for the fourth wicket. Pant was aggressive from the outset, attacking the spinners and showing his natural flair. He fell in the third over after the lunch break to Mahmud for 39, leaving India at 96/4.

A Challenging Pitch

The Chepauk pitch, prepared with red soil, was expected to offer bounce and carry for the seamers. However, the hot and humid conditions in Chennai did start to provide grip for the spinners as the day wore on. It was a challenging surface to bat on, which added to the difficulty of the Indian batting.

India's Bowling Combination

With the pitch offering something for the bowlers, a debate has emerged about whether India should opt for three spinners. The fact that India chose to field three seamers on the first day, with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin being the only spin options, was intriguing. The two spinners were effective, though, Ashwin in particular, bowling with his usual control and accuracy.

Looking Ahead

India will be hoping to bounce back from this early setback and put up a strong performance in the remaining days of the Test. Jaiswal's resilience and Pant's quickfire return will be crucial for their success. The match is far from over, and the battle between bat and ball is sure to continue.

The Game That Never Ends

This match will be a test of the characters of both sides. India will need to show resilience and fight to turn the tide. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will look to exploit the advantage they have gained. It is sure to be a captivating contest, with the final result hanging in the balance.