Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul's blistering half-centuries spearheaded India's aggressive batting display as the hosts sought to secure a result in the weather-affected second Test against Bangladesh on Monday, despite losing two-and-a-half days to the elements. India declared their whirlwind first innings at 285-9 from just 34.4 overs, following Bangladesh's earlier dismissal for 233 on a frenetic day four in Kanpur.
Bangladesh faced a challenging 11 overs before the close of play and managed to reach 26-2, still trailing by 26 runs, after Ravichandran Ashwin trapped Zakir Hasan lbw for 10 and then bowled nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud for four. Shadman Islam was on seven, while Mominul Haque, who had earlier scored an unbeaten 107 in Bangladesh's first innings, was yet to open his account.
Left-hander Jaiswal's explosive 72 off 51 balls, featuring 12 fours and two sixes, propelled India to 100 in just 61 balls, breaking their own record for the fastest start to a Test innings. This surpassed the 74 balls they took to reach the same mark against the West Indies last year.
India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, emphasized the importance of positive intent after losing two days of the match. He praised the team's aggressive approach with both bat and ball, stating, "Our game plan was to see how we could secure a winning result." The former South African fast bowler noted that the crowd enjoyed the T20-style batting display.
Jaiswal's 55-run partnership with skipper Rohit Sharma in 24 balls set the tone, with Sharma eventually bowled by Mehidy for 23 in the fourth over. Jaiswal continued his assault, reaching his fifty in 31 balls before being bowled by Hasan Mahmud. Virat Kohli, who scored 47 off 35 balls, and Rahul, with 68 off 43 balls, maintained the momentum.
Bangladesh spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz each claimed four wickets. Mehidy acknowledged the Indian batsmen's strategic approach but noted that Bangladesh adapted after a few overs, aiming to limit the damage to their innings.
Former captain Shakib, 37, announced his international retirement on Thursday and could be playing his final Test if he is unable to return home for the scheduled South Africa series. Earlier, Ravindra Jadeja, with his left-arm spin, took the final Bangladesh wicket of Khaled Ahmed, reaching 300 Test wickets. He became the seventh Indian bowler to achieve this milestone, following Anil Kumble's record of 619 Test victims.
Bangladesh resumed at 107-3 under clear skies after rain and a soggy outfield had washed out the entire weekend. Only 35 overs were possible on Friday's opening day. Left-hander Mominul, who started the day on 40, reached his 13th Test hundred before lunch with a boundary off Ashwin.
India leads the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opener in Chennai by 280 runs.
