Following India’s commanding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali lavished praise on India’s bowling attack, drawing parallels to Pakistan’s legendary fast-bowling trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. India’s bowlers dismantled a Bangladesh team that had recently secured an impressive away Test series win against Pakistan, dismissing them for 149 and 234 in two innings.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali expressed admiration for the impact and depth of India’s current bowling unit. “The Indian bowling unit is so impactful that they are on the level with pacers Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis,” he said.
Basit’s high praise comes as India’s bowlers shared the workload efficiently, with fast bowlers dominating in the first innings and spinners wreaking havoc in the second.
The Indian pacers took eight of the ten wickets in Bangladesh’s first innings, while the spinners, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, claimed nine of the ten wickets in the second innings. The combination of pace and spin proved too much for Bangladesh, who struggled to counter India’s varied bowling attack on a pitch that, though favorable for batting, provided enough for those willing to be patient.
Basit Ali also singled out budding fast bowler Mayank Yadav for his potential. Yadav, who made waves during IPL 2024 with his express pace and pinpoint accuracy, impressed many before being sidelined by a side strain injury after just four matches. In those games, Yadav picked up seven wickets at a remarkable average of 12.14, showing his ability to trouble top-order batters.
“Mayank Yadav’s ball is very dangerous. His bouncer is accurate. I wish to see him play a Test match in Australia,” said Basit, indicating that Yadav could be a valuable asset in conditions that traditionally favour fast bowlers. Despite missing the current series, Yadav’s potential for the future is undeniable.
The standout performances from India’s attack included Jasprit Bumrah, who took four wickets in the first innings, setting the tone with his pace and accuracy. In the second innings, Ravichandran Ashwin spun his web around the Bangladesh batters, finishing with an impressive six-wicket haul, underlining India’s strength in spin bowling on home soil.
India’s comprehensive win in the first Test has given them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the second and final Test scheduled to begin on September 27 in Kanpur. The dominant performance in Chennai has raised expectations for another strong showing, as India looks to continue their fine form and secure the series win.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly after a disappointing batting display. Despite their recent successes, including a series win against Pakistan, they were outplayed by a disciplined and versatile Indian bowling unit. Heading into the second Test, they will look to find solutions to the problems posed by both India’s pacers and spinners.
