‘A great result looking at what lies ahead for us’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on future as India beat Bangladesh by 280 runs | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a match-winning performance as India secured a dominant 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Test in Chennai, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Ashwin’s 6-88 dismantled Bangladesh, who were bowled out for 234 while chasing a massive target of 515.
India captain Rohit Sharma, speaking after the win, lauded the team’s patience and resilience in the game, with special praise for Ashwin’s all-round brilliance.”It was a great result looking at what lies ahead for us. We are playing after a long time, but you are never out of cricket,” said Rohit, emphasizing the importance of the match in India’s larger cricketing journey. “We came here a week before, and we wanted the result we got.”
India vs Bangladest 1st Test Highlights
Ashwin, who also scored a century in the first innings, was the standout performer in both innings, earning the ‘Man of the Match’ award. Rohit expressed his admiration for the off-spinner’s contribution, stating, “He’s always there for us with the ball and bat. Every time we see him, it’s always beautiful. He’s never out of the game.” Ashwin’s five-wicket haul and his ability to turn the game with both bat and ball played a pivotal role in India’s comfortable win.

Reflecting on the team’s overall approach, Rohit praised the discipline shown by the Indian players, particularly on a challenging red soil pitch in Chennai. “No matter what the conditions are, we want to build the team around that. You need to have a little bit of patience as well. This was a pitch where we had to show a lot of patience. We were patient enough with the bat and with the ball as well to put them under pressure.”

Bangladesh, who resumed Day 4 on 158-4, showed some resistance through captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who top-scored with 82. However, once Ashwin dismissed Shakib Al Hasan early on the fourth day, India quickly wrapped up the rest of the Bangladesh batting lineup. Ravindra Jadeja supported Ashwin’s efforts with 3-58, ensuring that India completed the victory with five sessions to spare.

Rohit was also quick to praise the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who scored a century in India’s second innings after a nearly two-year gap from Test cricket. “The way he has managed himself was superb to watch. He came back in the IPL, followed by a successful World Cup, and this is a format he loves the most. It was about giving him the game time. Credit to him, he had an impact straightaway,” Rohit said.
India’s captain closed his remarks by acknowledging the team’s hunger for success. “In the last few years, wherever we have played, we have managed to have that in the armoury. You have to give credit to the guys, they want to put their hand up.”