Ashwin reveals how Rohit Sharma plotted Kanpur Test heist on Day 4

Star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin revealed how Rohit Sharma’s tactical genius played a key role in India’s remarkable victory in the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. The Indian team, led by brilliant performances from Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, routed Bangladesh by seven wickets to claim a record-extending 18th home series win. The win also helped India strengthen their position atop the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) table with 74.24 percentage points.
Ashwin, named Player of the Series for picking 11 wickets and scoring 112 runs, highlighted the importance of the win, particularly in the context of the WTC. “Winning this game was important for us,” Ashwin said. “It was a massive win for us in the context of the WTC. When we bowled them out yesterday, it was a little after lunch. Rohit was keen that we needed 80 overs to bowl at them. He said even if we get bowled out for 230, it’s okay. He set the tone with the way he stepped out first ball.”
KANPUR TEST, DAY 5: HIGHLIGHTS
Rohit’s aggressive mindset paid dividends, with Ashwin drawing first blood, Jadeja dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order, and Bumrah applying the finishing touches to seal the victory. The visitors collapsed to 146 all out on the final day after resuming at 26 for 2, as the Indian bowlers took charge.
Ashwin explained the difficulties posed by the pitch but praised Rohit’s decisive leadership and intent. “You get more bite with the new ball than the old ball. The more you put overspin, it’s harder on this pitch because the ball doesn’t leave the surface. I’m happy to settle into the rhythm. The revs I put on the ball cannot be underestimated,” Ashwin said, after finishing with figures of 3/50 in 15 overs.
Ravindra Jadeja was equally lethal, ripping through Bangladesh’s batting lineup with 3/34 in 10 overs. His most significant contribution came with the dismissal of Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who fell to a reckless reverse sweep, triggering a collapse that India capitalized on.
Ashwin, Jadeja, and Bumrah shared the spoils, each picking up three wickets as Bangladesh’s fight crumbled. Only opener Shadman Islam (50) and former captain Mushfiqur Rahim (37) showed some resistance, but their efforts weren’t enough to withstand India’s relentless attack.
India chased down the target of 95 runs in 17.2 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the charge. Jaiswal, who was named Player of the Match, scored a brisk 51, marking his second half-century of the game and sealing India’s dominant victory.
Despite losing more than 200 overs of play due to rain on the second and third days, India turned in one of their most exhilarating performances in recent times. With this win, India not only secured another home series triumph but also solidified their place at the top of the points table in World Test Championship.