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India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the second Test at Kanpur showcased their dominance in the series, leaving little room for doubt about the outcome. While the weather played a significant role in delaying the match, India's determination to secure a win, fueled by their aspirations for the World Test Championship final, ultimately proved decisive. The visitors, despite a valiant effort from Mominul Haque in the first innings, failed to offer a formidable challenge to India's potent bowling attack.
The Kanpur pitch, despite being under the covers for two days, remained conducive to batting. However, Bangladesh's batters struggled to adapt to the conditions and the persistent pressure exerted by India's bowlers. Notably, Shadman Islam, despite a half-century, lost his composure and nearly gifted a catch to Yashasvi Jaiswal. This highlighted the overall lack of focus and application displayed by the Bangladesh batting lineup.
In contrast, India's bowling attack was a picture of discipline and efficiency. The formidable spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, once again proved their mettle on home turf, dismantling the Bangladesh batting order with a combination of guile and aggression. Ashwin, who also achieved a century in the Chennai Test, finished the series with 11 wickets and was adjudged the Man of the Series, equaling Muttiah Muralitharan's record of Player-of-the-Series awards.
India's resounding victory, achieved in a relatively short span of time, signifies their dominance on home turf. This win marks their 18th consecutive Test series win at home, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the format. Looking ahead, India requires three more wins from their remaining eight matches to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final, a goal they are determined to achieve.
The win also saw Jasprit Bumrah reiterate his leadership qualities, guiding the bowling attack with astute tactics and motivating the young bowlers like Akash Deep. This victory not only strengthens India's World Test Championship aspirations but also showcases their consistent excellence in the longest format of the game. The series, although overshadowed by the weather, provided a compelling narrative of India's dominance and their unwavering pursuit of global cricketing supremacy.