Former India captain Virat Kohli, known for his electrifying presence on the cricket field, continued to live up to his reputation during the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Throughout the match, Kohli’s energetic demeanor was on full display as India secured dominance over their opponents in both innings with the ball. Notably, Kohli’s antics included performing a naagin dance during Bangladesh’s innings, capturing the attention of fans and adding a light-hearted touch to the serious business of Test cricket.
However, it was on the fourth day of the Test, Sunday, September 22, that Kohli truly captured hearts with a heartfelt gesture towards his teammate Ravichandran Ashwin. Playing in his home ground, Ashwin emerged as the star player for India. He not only scored his sixth Test century, rescuing India’s innings from a precarious position of 144/6, but also showcased his bowling prowess by claiming a six-wicket haul in the second innings. This performance enabled him to match the legendary Shane Warne’s record in the longest format of the game.
Ashwin’s fifth scalp in the second innings was Mehidy Hasan Miraz, marking his 37th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, thereby equalling Warne’s illustrious record. The moment he achieved this incredible feat, Kohli, ever the sportsman, bowed down to Ashwin in a gesture of respect and congratulations. This touching act from the 35-year-old Kohli, who himself had a challenging game with the bat, scoring only 23 runs across two innings, demonstrated the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the Indian team.
Ashwin’s remarkable performance earned him the Player of the Match award, and deservedly so, for his all-round contribution with both bat and ball. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was effusive in his praise for Ashwin during the post-match presentation. “Every time we look up to him, he’s always there for us whether with the bat or ball. I don’t know if I speak here, it’ll be enough of what he does for this team,” Sharma remarked, reflecting the high regard in which Ashwin is held among his teammates.
.
Sharma continued to heap accolades on Ashwin’s relentless performance and his unwavering commitment to the team. “Every time we see him come out and do the job, it’s always so brilliant. He’s never out of the game. The last competitive cricket he played was IPL and then he had some fun playing TNPL. We watched him bat up the order and that’s what helped him as well to bat the way he did,” Sharma added, emphasizing Ashwin’s versatility and readiness to perform in various roles.
Ashwin’s journey to this point has been nothing short of inspiring. Having last played competitive cricket in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and then enjoying a stint in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Ashwin’s ability to adapt and excel in different formats of the game is commendable. His batting during this Test was instrumental in reviving India’s innings, and his bowling was pivotal in clinching a decisive win for the team.
In the backdrop of Kohli’s celebratory antics and heartfelt tribute, the Chennai Test will be remembered for the individual brilliance of Ashwin. His dual performance not only played a crucial role in India’s victory but also etched his name alongside one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, Shane Warne.
Kohli’s bow to Ashwin wasn’t just a gesture of acknowledgment for his teammate’s record-equalling achievement but also a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the game of cricket. It underscored the respect and admiration that cricketers have for each other’s accomplishments, regardless of their personal performances.
As Indian cricket fans rejoice in Ashwin’s accomplishment and Kohli’s endearing gesture, this Test match in Chennai will be etched in memory as a showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and the enduring spirit of camaraderie that binds the team together. The match not only reinforced India’s dominance in Test cricket but also highlighted the individual brilliance and collective effort that are hallmarks of the team’s success.
