Image Source: BCCI
[Saba Sports News] Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that after two days of washout in the Kanpur Test, the Indian leadership discussed the idea of forfeiting their first innings to push for a result. Only 35 overs were bowled on Day 1, with Day 2 completely washed out.
Even when the rain stopped on Day 3, the outfield conditions prevented play. India, under pressure, had to go all-out on Days 4 and 5.
After bowling Bangladesh out for 235, captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir considered forfeiting, but the intense Kanpur heat made it unrealistic. Instead, Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal launched an aggressive assault, with India scoring 285 before declaring 52 runs ahead.
Ashwin explained, “We discussed whether to forfeit, but the heat was harsh… I had to wear four t-shirts in a day, and it still wasn’t enough. It was tough on fast bowlers and tiring for spinners. We thought we’d bat and then go for it with the ball.”
After India’s quick declaration, Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah initially weren’t thrilled about bowling again so soon, but Rohit’s aggressive approach inspired them.
“I wasn’t too pleased about bowling again, and neither was Bumrah. But when you see the captain ‘walk the talk’—hitting the first ball for six—you have no choice but to follow. That’s one of Rohit’s defining qualities,” Ashwin added.
India went on to win by 7 wickets, completing a 2-0 series sweep over Bangladesh.