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The Bangladesh tour of India in 2024 has kicked off with a bang, literally, as India's blistering batting performance in the first Test in Kanpur shattered numerous records. The first two days of play were washed out due to rain, but when the action finally commenced, India's intent was clear from the outset. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone, launching into a barrage of sixes and fours, putting on a record-breaking opening stand.
India became the first team to reach 50 runs in an innings inside the first three overs, surpassing the previous record set by England twice in their recent Test series against the West Indies. India's dominance continued, as they broke the record for the quickest to 100, 150, 200, and 250 runs by a team. This aggressive approach translated into a remarkable scoring rate, making it the highest ever achieved by a team in an innings where they scored 200 or more runs. This was not just a one-day wonder, as India also smashed the most sixes in a calendar year in Test cricket history, surpassing the previous record held by England.
The individual performances were equally impressive. Yashasvi Jaiswal's 31-ball half-century was the second quickest by an Indian batter on home soil, while Ravindra Jadeja, the ever-reliable all-rounder, became the seventh Indian bowler to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets. This feat also propelled him into the elite club of players who have achieved both 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket. Jadeja's achievement was particularly notable considering he is the second fastest to achieve this double after Ian Botham.
The Kanpur Test showcased India's remarkable batting power and record-breaking intent, setting a high bar for the rest of the series and potentially for the entire calendar year. The team's aggressive approach and individual brilliance have made this tour a memorable one for Indian cricket fans, and the rest of the world is taking notice of the formidable force that India has become in Test cricket.