NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal emphasized the significant roles of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in India's Test team at home. His comments followed India's 280-run win over Bangladesh in the first Test held in Chennai.
Ashwin and Jadeja were instrumental in turning the game around after India struggled at 144/6 in the first innings. They built a crucial 199-run partnership, with Ashwin scoring 109 and Jadeja adding 86.
Akmal remarked on his YouTube channel, "What an all-round performance from Ashwin. He took six wickets in the second innings and scored a century. It was a match-winning partnership from Jaddu. Without these two players, India can't form a Test playing XI at home. They are big performers."
Ashwin excelled in the bowling department as well, taking six wickets in Bangladesh's second innings. Jadeja supported with combined figures of 5/77 across both innings.
Akmal also pointed out Shubman Gill's return to form, noting his unbeaten 119 in the second innings. "Shubman Gill showed his form. He is a remarkable player, and it is important for him to score runs," Akmal said.
Rishabh Pant's comeback to Test cricket was another highlight of the match. After recovering from a serious car accident in December 2022, Pant scored 109 in the second innings. Akmal commented, "It was an incredible performance from Pant. I salute the medical panel and the trainer who brought him back to the field."
