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On Saturday, Team India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name alongside former captains MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, joining the elite list of Indian batters with the most Test centuries at home while batting at No. 7 or lower. Dhoni and Kapil both notched up four three-figure scores in this position during their illustrious careers, and Ashwin matched their tally with a spectacular knock in the first Test against Bangladesh.
The seasoned Tamil Nadu cricketer, who turned 38 recently, played an exceptional innings, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 112 balls on the opening day of the Chepauk Test in Chennai on Thursday, September 19. His innings featured 10 boundaries and two towering sixes, helping Team India recover from a precarious position to reach 339-6 by stumps.
Ashwin’s remarkable knock was part of a crucial 195-run unbroken partnership for the seventh wicket with fellow all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 86* off 117 balls. Their combined efforts brought India back into the match after being reduced to 144-6 earlier in the second session of play.
A Historic Achievement at Chepauk
Ashwin’s century against Bangladesh has marked his fourth Test ton at home while batting at No. 7 or lower, equaling Dhoni and Kapil Dev’s feat. Notably, this was Ashwin’s second successive century at his home ground, Chepauk. The last time he reached three figures at the venue was during India’s Test against England in February 2021, where he scored 106 off 148 balls.
Ashwin’s other notable hundreds at home include 103 against West Indies in Mumbai in November 2011 and 124 against the same opposition in Kolkata in November 2013. With these performances, Ashwin continues to cement his legacy as one of India’s finest all-rounders, particularly in the longest format of the game.
As India entered Day 2 of the first Test with momentum, Ashwin’s invaluable contribution has set the stage for a potentially strong showing in the series against Bangladesh.
