India Secure Kanpur Victory to Clinch Series 2-0, Extend Unbeaten Test Record Against Bangladesh

India claimed their 18th consecutive home Test series victory, securing a dominant 2-0 win against Bangladesh in Kanpur on Tuesday, October 1. Despite losing 235 overs to weather, few expected a result, but India’s aggressive approach made it possible, sealing the triumph.

Heading into the fourth day, India’s hopes for a favorable result in the second Test seemed more rooted in optimism than practicality. It was almost like a fantasy scenario for the viewers—if Bangladesh were bowled out within a certain number of overs, India could chase the target quickly, then bowl them out cheaply again. Remarkably, this victory brought those imagined scenarios to life, something this Indian team is becoming accustomed to, especially after their dramatic heist in Barbados three months ago in the T20 World Cup final, where South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls to win.

India’s relentless determination to win, despite 235 overs being lost due to rain, a wet outfield, and poor drainage at Green Park Stadium, led them to play in a way they typically wouldn’t. The success of this plan required not just two or three players but all 11 to be aligned with the same mindset. Personal milestones and averages became irrelevant as the team focused solely on the collective goal. India were fully prepared for Bangladesh’s second innings, knowing they could chase whatever target was set.

Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded India’s bowling attack to dismiss Bangladesh an hour after the lunch break. Bangladesh collapsed from 7/126 after resuming their overnight score on Day 1, despite Mominul Haque’s unbeaten knock of 107*. Mominul fought valiantly but lacked the necessary support from his teammates.

With Bangladesh posting just 233, India took an aggressive approach, even at the risk of being bowled out for 150. However, quickfire fifties from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, along with contributions from Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and a blistering start by skipper Rohit Sharma, who opened with two sixes, gave India a 52-run lead.

Rohit didn’t hesitate to declare at nine wickets down, aiming to expose Bangladesh’s openers to a tricky period before stumps. India’s plan worked, as R Ashwin took two wickets before the close of play on Day 4, leaving Bangladesh with eight wickets in hand and still trailing by 26 runs heading into the final day.

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shadman Islam managed to navigate the first hour well after Mominul Haque’s early dismissal. It briefly appeared as though India might face a long day in the field, but Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah turned the game around, helping bowl Bangladesh out for 146.

During India’s run chase, they lost three wickets, with Yashasvi Jaiswal falling just before the end. Jaiswal smashed his seventh Test fifty, his second in this match, continuing his impressive form in the longest format.

India’s victory marked their 18th consecutive Test series win at home, their 180th win in Test cricket overall, surpassing South Africa’s 179 victories. It was also India’s 13th win against Bangladesh in 15 encounters, with the remaining two matches being drawn.