India wrapped up a clean sweep against Bangladesh in the 2nd Test at Kanpur, winning by 7 wickets despite the first two days being affected by rain. This victory secured a 2-0 series win and further cemented India's dominance in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With stellar performances across the board, India not only took home the series but also set several records along the way.
Match Summary
The match initially seemed headed for a draw after rain delayed play on the first two days. However, India bounced back, dismissing Bangladesh for 233 in their first innings, with Mohammed Siraj leading the attack. India then declared at 285/9, with key contributions from their middle order. Bangladesh struggled again in their second innings, managing only 146. Chasing a modest target of 98, India cruised to victory with Rishabh Pant’s boundary sealing the win.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Man of the Match
Yashasvi Jaiswal was named the Player of the Match for his remarkable consistency throughout the game. His consecutive half-centuries (51 in the second innings) not only anchored India’s chase but also added to his growing reputation in international cricket. Jaiswal's maturity and control under pressure were evident as he held the innings together with fluid stroke play, making him the standout player of the match.
Record-Breaking Feats
Jaiswal’s fifties in both innings helped him break a long-standing record. By scoring 929 Test runs in 2024, he surpassed the great Sunil Gavaskar’s tally of 918 runs in 1971, becoming the highest Indian scorer in a calendar year before turning 23. Jaiswal, who has already scored two double centuries this year, is having a stellar season and is expected to be a key figure for India in the coming months.
Additionally, Jaiswal’s ability to consistently perform in red-ball cricket underscores his meteoric rise in the international arena. He had earlier set a milestone as the first player in international cricket to aggregate over 1,000 runs across formats in 2024.
India's WTC Campaign on Track
This series win helped India further strengthen their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings. With their consistent performance, India has a clear path to securing a spot in the WTC final next year. Despite losing key players to injuries and squad rotations, Rohit Sharma’s leadership continues to steer India’s Test team effectively, especially in home conditions.
Key Bowling Performances
India’s bowling unit deserves credit for securing this victory, especially on a pitch that offered minimal assistance to the bowlers. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja were instrumental in breaking through Bangladesh's lineup, taking crucial wickets at key moments. Siraj’s pace and Jadeja’s consistency with the ball ensured that Bangladesh never got the opportunity to settle into the match.
Final Thoughts
India’s triumph in the 2nd Test against Bangladesh reflects their depth and strength in Test cricket. With players like Yashasvi Jaiswal setting new records and experienced bowlers delivering under pressure, India’s journey to the WTC final looks promising. The 7-wicket win also highlights India’s ability to adapt to difficult conditions and turn seemingly impossible situations into victories, a hallmark of a world-class team.
This series will be remembered not only for India’s dominance but also for the emergence of young talents like Jaiswal, who are carrying forward the nation’s cricketing legacy. As India continues its march in the WTC, fans can expect more record-breaking performances in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
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